Kerala gets hi-tech lab to carry out research on viruses like COVID-19’s SARS-CoV-2

saumyasingh July 14, 2023

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Kerala gets hi-tech lab to carry out research on viruses like COVID-19’s SARS-CoV-2

The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is establishing a Bio-safety Level-3 Lab near the Kerala capital for conducting research on viruses that have the potential to cause epidemics or pandemics, similar to COVID-19. The lab has received approval from the Department of Biotechnology.

Here are some key points to expand on this:

1. Objective: The primary objective of establishing the Bio-safety Level-3 Lab is to enhance the research capabilities and preparedness in dealing with infectious diseases, particularly those caused by viruses that can lead to significant public health threats. This state-of-the-art facility will enable scientists and researchers to study and understand these viruses better, develop diagnostic tools, and explore potential treatments and preventive measures.

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2. Bio-safety Level-3 (BSL-3): The lab is classified as a Bio-safety Level-3 facility, which indicates a high level of containment and safety measures. BSL-3 labs are equipped to handle and study infectious agents that can cause serious diseases in humans. These labs have stringent protocols and safety measures in place to prevent the accidental release of pathogens and to ensure the safety of the researchers and the surrounding environment.

3. Research Focus: The research conducted in the BSL-3 Lab will primarily focus on viruses that possess a high potential for causing epidemics or pandemics. This includes studying their genetic makeup, transmission mechanisms, virulence factors, and host-pathogen interactions. By gaining a better understanding of these viruses, scientists aim to develop strategies for early detection, surveillance, and containment, ultimately leading to effective response measures in case of an outbreak.

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4. Collaborative Efforts: The establishment of the lab is a collaborative effort involving the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, which is an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology, and the support and approval of the Department of Biotechnology. Such initiatives require close collaboration between government bodies, research institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective utilization of resources and expertise.

5. Public Health Preparedness: The establishment of a high-level bio-safety lab for virus research reflects the recognition of the importance of public health preparedness, especially in the context of emerging infectious diseases. By investing in advanced research infrastructure and capabilities, the aim is to proactively address the challenges posed by novel pathogens and to develop strategies for timely response, containment, and mitigation of potential outbreaks.

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The establishment of the Bio-safety Level-3 Lab near the Kerala capital is a significant step towards strengthening India’s research and response capabilities in the field of infectious diseases, ensuring that the country is better equipped to handle future public health threats effectively.

The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology of the Union Government, has announced that the newly approved Bio-safety Level-3 Laboratory will facilitate research on COVID-19 and avian influenza.

According to an official statement, the comprehensive Bio-safety Level-3 Laboratory, which is the first of its kind in Kerala, has received approval from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The laboratory is authorized to conduct research activities involving live infectious organisms categorized as BSL-3 agents. Notably, this includes viruses like SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for causing COVID-19, as well as influenza viruses.

The approval signifies the recognition of the lab’s capabilities in handling and studying high-risk pathogens. It enables the RGCB to undertake research on these infectious agents, contributing to a deeper understanding of their characteristics, transmission patterns, and potential interventions. By studying SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses, scientists at the RGCB will be able to conduct essential research to develop better diagnostic tools, treatments, and preventive measures.

The establishment of the Bio-safety Level-3 Laboratory in Kerala highlights the importance of local research infrastructure and expertise in addressing emerging infectious diseases. The lab’s focus on COVID-19 and avian influenza aligns with the ongoing global efforts to combat these viral diseases and mitigate their impact on public health.

By conducting research on these specific pathogens, the RGCB’s Bio-safety Level-3 Laboratory will contribute to advancing knowledge, strengthening disease surveillance, and developing strategies to control and prevent outbreaks. This approval signifies a significant step in bolstering the scientific capabilities and preparedness of the region to tackle present and future challenges posed by infectious diseases.

The newly established Bio-safety Level-3 (BSL-3) Laboratory at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is located at their new campus in Aakkulam. The lab is designed as a modular facility, meeting the required safety and containment standards.

Prof Chandrabhas Narayana, Director of RGCB, emphasized that the BSL-3 Lab will play a crucial role in fostering collaborations among industry, academia, and clinical partners. The aim is to collectively work on developing innovative drugs and vaccines to combat pathogens that are of regional significance. This collaborative approach will enable the lab to bring together diverse expertise and resources to address infectious diseases effectively.

Additionally, Prof Narayana highlighted the importance of the BSL-3 Lab as a core platform for conducting groundbreaking research on zoonotic infectious agents. Zoonotic diseases are caused by pathogens that can be transmitted between animals and humans. By studying these pathogens and understanding their adaptations, the lab will contribute to future pandemic preparedness efforts. The research conducted in the lab will provide valuable insights into the behavior and characteristics of zoonotic pathogens, enabling the development of strategies to prevent and control future outbreaks.

The establishment of the BSL-3 Lab reflects the RGCB’s commitment to advancing scientific research and preparedness in the field of infectious diseases. By fostering collaborations and conducting innovative research, the lab aims to contribute to the development of novel interventions, including drugs and vaccines, to address the region’s specific pathogen challenges.