Select Pharma Projects at Avesthagen
 

• Identification of genetic influences on the occurrence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Lupus: In a collaboration with one of the world's best institutes working on human diseases, we have an on-going project for identification of genes or loci linked to lupus in the Indian population. A collection of 250 families of patients with confirmed SLE has been made. Whole genome scan of the individulas to identify genes linked to SLE is in progress.

• Identification of factors responsible for virulence in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  In an ongoing project with Biomerieux, a diagnostic major based in France, attempts are being made to identify factors associated with virulence in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A database of polymorphisms present in different strains of Mycobacteria has been developed. Polymorphic regions have been identified. These regions are being amplified from 20 different clinical isolates with known clinical pathologies. The amplified products are being sequenced in order to identify polymorphism associated with virulence in these strains. This has been a great example of an integration of bioinformatics with biology wherein the bioinformatics tools enabled the biologist in the discovery process.
  
  The identified factors would be used in a DNA chip for more sensitive diagnosis of tuberculosis. These genes could be used as novel drug targets for development of a new class of TB drugs. The use of these genes in DNA vaccines will be examined at a later date.

• Identification of SNPs associated with eye diseases, leading to development of a diagnostics kit.
  Avesthagen has contributed to a study on the identification of mutations in genes linked to eye diseases in a collaboration with a major hospital working on eye diseases in India. A new gene linked to eye disease has been one of the outcomes of this study.