Pioneering the Genomics Revolution in India
Nimish Kapoor
In the heart of India's rapidly evolving life sciences landscape lies a story of innovation, resilience, and transformative impact. Premas Life Sciences (PLS) is not just a start-up; it is a trailblazer leading the charge in revolutionising genomics and personalised medicine in India. Founded in 2005 by Shri Praveen Gupta and a team of visionary scientists, PLS emerged to address critical gaps in genomic technologies, research, and clinical applications. The company was established with the belief that advanced scientific tools and expertise could transform healthcare outcomes and drive impactful discoveries. Today, PLS stands as a beacon of scientific excellence, reshaping healthcare and enabling life- changing discoveries across the nation.
From its inception, PLS recognised that India faced unique healthcare challenges- ranging from a high burden of genetic disorders to a lack of accessible genomic solutions. By partnering with global leaders in genomics technology, PLS brought state- of- the- art tools to Indian researchers, ensuring that the nation remained at the cutting-edge of scientific advancements. Over the years, the company has grown into a trusted collaborator for top research institutes, academic institutions, and hospitals, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry.
Bridging Science and Healthcare: The PLS Model
Premas Life Sciences has catalysed the adoption of genomics in India by providing high- end genomic tools and establishing core facilities for academic institutions, research centres, and hospitals. From advanced sequencing technologies to personalised diagnostic panels, PLS has enabled Indian scientists and clinicians to harness the power of genomics, driving groundbreaking research and improving patient care.
Key Achievements and Innovations:
• Cancer Genomics: PLS has facilitated comprehensive genomic profiling, empowering oncologists to detect cancer mutations and develop targeted therapies. This innovation has led to the creation of India- centric cancer diagnostic panels, making personalised treatment accessible.
• Infectious Diseases: Leveraging genomic technologies, PLS has advanced pathogen detection and outbreak monitoring, playing a vital role in managing infectious diseases.
• Rare Disease Diagnosis: By deploying exome sequencing at scale, PLS has transformed the diagnostic landscape for rare genetic disorders. Diagnosis timelines have reduced from years to months, accelerating therapeutic interventions.
• Service Provider Model: Recognising the capital- intensive nature of genomic technologies, PLS implemented a service provider model, democratising access to genomic tools without heavy upfront investments.
• Training and Capacity Building: PLS has nurtured a vibrant community of researchers and clinicians through training programmes, clinician edu- cation, and hands- on workshops, fostering a robust genomics ecosystem in India.
Driving Technological Advancements
One of PLS's seminal contributions to genomics in India was introducing Illumina's high- throughput SNP Genotyping technology during the Indian Genome Variation Database (IGVDb) project. This pivotal technology enabled Indian researchers to meet the ambitious timelines of large- scale genomic projects. PLS also played a crucial role in the adoption of Next- Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, facilitating landmark projects like Genome India, IndiGen, and INSACOG.
In collaboration with Codex, PLS recently introduced the BioXP 3200, the world's first fully automated gene synthesis platform, poised to revolutionise vaccine and biopharma development in India. This breakthrough reflects PLS's commitment to bridging the gap between research and clinical applications, enhancing India's capabilities in precision medicine and molecular diagnostics.
The Human Touch: Scientist- to- Scientist Collaboration
A distinguishing feature of Premas Life Sciences is its unique approach of "Scientist selling to a Scientist." The company's technical team comprises highly skilled professionals- PhDs, postdocs, and master's degree holders- who engage directly with researchers and clinicians. This peer- to- peer engagement fosters trust, facilitates knowledge transfer, and accelerates the adoption of new technologies.
Additionally, the company offers bespoke solutions, tailoring genomic panels and diagnostic tools to the specific needs of Indian patients and healthcare providers. This customisation ensures higher accuracy and affordability, bridging gaps between research and clinical implementation.
Recognition and Industry Leadership
Premas Life Sciences has received numerous accolades, underscoring its leadership and impact. The Economic Times recognised PLS as one of "The Most Promising Business Leaders of Asia" (2019- 20). PLS also received prestigious awards such as "India's Greatest Brands" and "Healthcare Leadership Award" at the 2022 Healthcare Innovation Summit.
Additionally, PLS was ranked 37th in The Economic Times India's Growth Champions 2023 and featured in Financial Times' High- Growth Companies Asia- Pacific 2023. These awards reflect the company's steadfast dedication to innovation and growth.
Charting the Future: Vision 2047
Premas Life Sciences is not content with past successes. With a vision aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047, PLS is setting new benchmarks for genomics in India. Plans are underway to establish a state- of- the- art research facility in Delhi- NCR, focused on developing low- cost, high- quality genomic panels tailored to Indian demographics. This initiative will democratise genomics, ensuring that even underserved communities benefit from cutting-edge healthcare solutions.
Reflecting on the journey, Shri Praveen Gupta, MD of Premas Life Sciences, remarked, "Our mission has always been to empower Indian scientists and clinicians. From humble beginnings, we have built a genomics ecosystem that stands at the intersection of research, innovation, and healthcare."
Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Premas Life Sciences exemplifies how start- ups can drive transformative change, not just through technological innovation but by fostering an entire ecosystem of scientific advancement. As India strides toward becoming a global leader in genomics and precision medicine, PLS stands ready to lead the way, embodying the spirit of scientific progress and national development.
The Genomics Imperative in India
Genomics is transforming healthcare globally, unlocking personalised medicine, early disease detection, and targeted treatment strategies. In a diverse nation like India, where genetic disorders and diseases pose a significant challenge, genomics holds immense promise. According to the Organisation for Rare Diseases India (ORDI), approximately 70 million Indians are living with rare diseases, 80% of which have genetic origins. Additionally, India's cancer mortality growth rate is among the highest in the world, increasing at an annual rate of 2.48%. Late- stage cancer diagnoses remain prevalent, with 87% of cases detected at advanced stages.
In response to these pressing healthcare challenges, Premas Life Sciences has positioned itself at the forefront of the genomics revolution. By introducing cutting- edge genomic technologies tailored to India's unique needs, PLS has bridged critical gaps in diagnosis, research, and clinical practice.
(The author is a science communication specialist. Feedback can be sent to feedback.employment news@gmail.com)