CSIR-CFTRI inks MoU with Clevergene for study of SARS-CoV-2 genome

Mysuru: As part of various initiatives towards mitigating Covid-19, Mysuru-based CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has signed an MoU recently with Clevergene, a Bengaluru-based company for study/sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genome.

According to Dr S.V.N. Vijayendra, senior principal scientist, CSIR-CFTRI, it is expected that the study would provide insights into virus genome changes (mutations), evolution, epidemiology, and provide an understanding of the spatial and temporal information on infection dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2. Further, under the MoU, the development of novel diagnostics and vaccines for Covid-19 are envisaged, he said.

He added that, CSIR-CFTRI has also established a Covid testing centre in Mysuru, and on an average, more than 1000 samples are tested in a day.

Further, CFTRI is also working on the development of novel dipstick and aptamer-based diagnostics in collaboration with private parties. Clevergene is a tech company offering genomics services for contract research and genetic diagnostics. The MoU was exchanged recently between Dr B Manohar, chief scientist CFTRI, and Tony Jose, co-founder, and CEO, Clevergene, he said.