Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, inaugurated Asia’s first health research-related “Pre-clinical Network Facility” under the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) today. The facility is situated at the Regional Centre of Biotechnology under the aegis of the Translational Health Science & Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad.

The CEPI has chosen BRIC-THSTI as a pre-clinical network laboratory due to its advanced capabilities in handling BSL3 pathogens. This facility is now the 9th such network laboratory globally, with other facilities located in the USA, Europe, and Australia. The Experimental Animal Facility within this network is one of the largest in the country, capable of housing about 75,000 mice, including immune-compromised mice and other species like rats, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

Additionally, Dr. Singh inaugurated the Genetically Defined Human Associated Microbial Culture Collection (Ge-HuMic) Facility, designed to serve as a repository for microbial cultures to aid research institutes, universities, and industries in their R&D efforts. This facility aims to foster national and international collaborations among academic institutions, hospitals, and industries, acting as a nodal resource center. It will also maintain genetically characterized pathogen-free animals for researchers nationwide.

The Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), an institute under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Department of Biotechnology, has signed over a dozen agreements and MoUs with the private sector to advance vaccine development and research in areas such as the Nipah Virus, Influenza, and other respiratory diseases. This initiative will support innovative research, and translational research to test drug and vaccine candidates, identify disease biomarkers, and encourage research collaborations with connectivity to industry and academia.

During the 14th Foundation Day of THSTI, Dr. Singh reflected on the institute’s journey and milestones since its inception, particularly its significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged the Department of Biotechnology’s progress despite resource constraints and pledged continued support for the department’s infrastructure needs. Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s recognition as a leader in preventive healthcare, emphasizing vaccine development and research led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT, Dr. K. Shrinath Reddy, former President of the Public Health Foundation of India, and Dr. Karthikeyan, Director THSTI, were also present at the event.

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