Biren inaugurates Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium Sequencing Facility

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on Saturday inaugurated Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) Sequencing Facility at a solemn function organised by the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) at the chief minister’s secretariat.

With this, samples now can be tested in the INSACOG sequencing facility at ISBD Campus, Takyelpat, Imphal where genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 will be performed not only for Manipur but also for other states of North Eastern region of India. Manipur would now no longer send samples outside the State for detection of Covid variants as genome sequencing would be done within the state, an official statement said.

Biren said Viral Genome Sequencing has become very critical in the fight against the Covid pandemic as new variants of concern have emerged as the dominant strains across the world. As such, the central government has been putting in much effort to increase sequencing in view of the increasing spread and possibility of a third wave. He expressed happiness on ISBD, Imphal on becoming one of the regional sequencing laboratories approved as part of the consortium of 28 National Laboratories to monitor the genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2.

Sequencing would facilitate in identifying hotspots with variants of concern and provide critical information to aid appropriate public health response. The analysis of data collected would also help in studying whether the mutation influences transmission, clinical outcomes, severity and impact the efficacy of public health intervention and vaccines, he added.

Assessing genome variants would also assist in developing potential vaccines in the future and ascertain the status of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the country, he said. He was also hopeful that the inclusion of IBSD, Imphal as part of the consortium of 28 National Laboratories would be of immense help in the ongoing efforts of the state government’s fight against Covid-19.

IBSD, Manipur which is under the department of biotechnology, ministry of science and technology, established INSACOG facility. It is the first time such an effort that has been made in the country. INSACOG aims to focus on sequencing of clinical samples to understand the disease dynamics and severity.