Did you know almost all known health conditions have a genetic basis? For instance, the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and osteoporosis is often due to a family history of the condition.
Furthermore, the World Health Organisation estimates 10 in every 1000 people are affected by genetic diseases, highlighting the role genetic testing plays in identifying these diseases. When done in early life, timely interventions can make a significant difference in outcomes.
MedGenome, a Bengaluru-based genomics company, is working to democratise access to quality and affordable genomic solutions in India. The only CAP-accredited genetic testing lab in India, MedGenome offers 1300+ genetic tests across various diseases.
Let’s know how MedGenome is revolutionising the Indian genetic testing space.
MedGenome: Global leader in genetic testing services
MedGenome started providing genetic testing services and doing genomics research way back in 2013. With cutting-edge genome sequencing platforms like Illumina’s NovaSeq, HiSeq X, and MiSeq, it established itself as a one-of-a-kind genomics company in India.
Operating as the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) lab, MedGenome is the largest genetic testing provider in Southeast Asia. It has an experienced team of molecular biologists, geneticists, data scientists and bioinformaticians, pioneering research in immune oncology, biomarker discovery, companion diagnostics and population-based genomic studies.
Leveraging the genetic diversity of the Indian population, MedGenome has built extensive clinical databases and provides invaluable insights into complex diseases at the genetic and molecular levels.
The company operates in 250+ locations in India and South Asia, collaborating with 4000+ hospitals and 10,000+ clinicians. Its comprehensive genetic testing portfolio covers paediatrics, neurology, oncology, haematology, endocrinology, nephrology and ophthalmology, enabling precise health management.
MedGenome products
MedGenome offers a range of genome products designed to provide actionable insights for better patient outcomes.
Claria
Focused on reproductive genetics, Claria provides accurate Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening(NIPT), Genetic Carrier Screening, Preimplantation Genetic Screening/Diagnosis (PGS/PGD), routine prenatal diagnostics and cytogenetic tests.
Actia
Actia specialises in inherited disease genetics, delivering precise diagnoses and subtyping for effective treatment.
Prima
Focused on cancer genetics, Prima offers advanced genetic and molecular tests for haematology and cancer management, including hereditary risk assessment, differential diagnosis, targeted therapy selection and disease surveillance.
Micra
Micra specialises in infectious disease genetics. It provides advanced genetic and molecular tests to identify causative organisms and detect drug resistance.
Technology behind MedGenome
MedGenome Labs leverages the power of big data and advanced analytics to transform the field of genetic diagnostics. Its cutting-edge technology includes:
Precision medicine
Analysing vast amounts of patient genetic data, MedGenome identifies causative genetic variations quickly and accurately. This enables personalised treatment regimens based on individual genetic profiles.
Radiology advancements
MedGenome employs AI algorithms to enhance radiology diagnostics. For example, its deep learning program, CheXNet, surpasses human radiologists in detecting diseases from chest X-rays.
Enhanced data analysis
Its data-driven approach enables the identification of patterns and trends in patient information, facilitating tailored treatment plans and better patient management.
Predictive analytics
MedGenome combines the power of continuous monitoring and analysis of patient health metrics with predictive analytics to identify potential health risks. This allows for early intervention and a reduction in treatment costs.
Big data technologies
It utilises advanced big data technologies like Hadoop and Apache Spark for efficient data storage, processing and resource allocation, enabling faster analysis of large-scale genomic and clinical datasets.
MedGenome’s growth and achievements
As a market leader in precision medicine, MedGenome has gained prominence in genomics-based diagnostics and research worldwide. It is revolutionising the field of genetic testing, genomics research and drug discovery.
The company has raised $185.5 million across 8 funding rounds, seeing investments from renowned investors like Novo Holdings, Sequoia Capital, Sofina and others.
Some of MedGenome’s notable achievements include:
- It is the first and only CAP-accredited lab for Whole Genome and Whole Exome Testing in India.
- Sequencing over 3,00,000 Exomes and Genomes, the company contributes to a vast repository of genomic data.
- It has successfully tested 60,000+ Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) samples with high accuracy.
- It has introduced whole-genome sequencing for M.tb, FSHD1, Rhesus D Track and ExomeMax.
- It is pioneering the genetic testing field in India by offering Validated Liquid Biopsy (OncoTrack), Tumour mutation burden (Cancer Agnostic Marker), Clinical Exome and Whole Exome testing.
MedGenome has also made several new launches:
- Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Preventive Wellness Products
- High-Definition Polymerase Chain Reaction (HDPCR) Multiplexing Technology
- Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Type 1 (FSHD1) Test
These launches expand MedGenome’s genetic testing portfolio, supporting preventive wellness, advancing molecular diagnostics, and providing solutions for rare genetic disorders.
Prognosis Labs acquisition
Last month, MedGenome acquired Prognosis Labs, a Delhi-NCR-based diagnostic lab. While the financial details of the deal are not disclosed, the strategic move will accelerate MedGenome’s growth and expand its geographical presence.
Prognosis Laboratories is a NABL-accredited lab offering diagnostic services, including microbiology, radiology, and molecular diagnostics.
With over 700 tests across various disciplines such as pathology, histopathology, immunology, biochemistry and serology, Prognosis Laboratories adds significant value to MedGenome’s capabilities.
Bottom line
With the global genetic testing market projected to reach $21.3 billion by 2027 and industry giants like Mukesh Ambani tapping into this rapidly growing industry, MedGenome has great scope and competition on its way moving forward.
However, its years of experience, vast portfolio and large market cap give the company an upper hand in the genetic testing industry.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
