Vgenomics, a cutting-edge genomics company headquartered in Delhi, has entered an exclusive partnership with Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, one of India’s most respected names in ophthalmic care, to validate and commercialise a novel diagnostic biomarker – VSP-2224, for early detection of keratoconus.

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder that causes corneal thinning and distortion, leading to significant visual impairment if not diagnosed early. Traditional diagnostic methods, primarily reliant on imaging technologies, often fail to identify the condition until substantial damage has occurred. With keratoconus affecting more than 2% of India’s population and rising across the MENA region, early, scalable detection solutions are becoming critical to preserving vision.

Leveraging its proprietary AI-based platform RgenX-LENS, Vgenomics identified VSP-2224, a novel protein biomarker found in tear fluid that can detect keratoconus at a pre-clinical stage — before visible signs of corneal damage appear. This discovery was made in collaboration with the research and innovation team at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, an institution with a rich legacy dating back to 1914, known for its cutting-edge research and commitment to equitable eye care across North India.

“The identification of VSP-2224 using RgenX-LENS is a testament to how AI and multi-omics can converge to drive breakthroughs in early disease detection. Our partnership with Dr. Shroff’s Eye Hospital ensures that this innovation moves swiftly from lab to clinic, empowering ophthalmologists with non-invasive, accessible tools,” said Dr. Rahila Sardar, Founder & CEO of Vgenomics. 

The collaboration goes beyond discovery. Vgenomics is now developing ‘OcuTear’, a rapid, point-of-care diagnostic panel for ocular surface diseases, with VSP-2224 as its lead marker for keratoconus. Designed for ease of use and rapid deployment, OcuTear aims to support both specialised ophthalmic centres and large-scale community screening programs.

“Tear-based diagnostics represent a major leap in precision and patient experience. We’re not only enabling earlier intervention but potentially laying the foundation for biomarker-guided therapies in the future,” noted Dr. Virender Singh Sangwan, Director of Innovation and Translational Research, Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital.

Clinical validation studies for VSP-2224 are currently underway across patient cohorts, including early-stage keratoconus, healthy individuals, and those undergoing treatment. The diagnostic’s potential to shift the keratoconus care paradigm — from reactive to proactive — positions this innovation at the intersection of AI, precision diagnostics, and inclusive healthcare delivery.

Also read: Alembic Pharma Secures USFDA Nod for Generic Combo Drug to Treat Hypertension and Cholesterol

By combining Vgenomics’ deep expertise in AI-driven genomics and proteomics with Dr. Shroff’s longstanding reputation for clinical excellence, this partnership signals a bold step forward in making next-generation diagnostics accessible to all.

Like

Dislike

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter , Instagram.

"Exciting news! Elets technomedia is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!