This is the era of genetics and not IT anymore, asserted a professor from University of Minnesota of the US who is working in the direction of forming support groups to find drugs for rare diseases which have no definition and treatment and into which no research has been done.
“Genetics will find solution to the rare diseases and one should understand that there is a huge scope for research in this area and also commercial interest. Chief Minister of AP who has triggered IT revolution in the State could do so with genetics this time.” Associate Professor of Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Ramaiah Muthyala said here on Monday.
He explained how research in genetics could help to find solutions to the rare diseases which are around 7000 world over. Like in diabetes for which a separate drug is needed for a separate type of problem, genetics would find a solution for a particular disease according to the genes.
For finding solutions to the rare diseases like Down’s syndrome, Thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, Wilson’s Disease, etc., and many other diseases which have not been diagnosed, awareness must be created among the people about the diseases and government must support the research.
“Genetic testing of bride and bridegroom, which is done in advanced countries like the US before the marriage, is necessary in India too. It is also necessary to avoid consanguineous marriages.”
Genetic labs must be established for thorough investigation of a problem and government should extend support to the pharma companies to make them take up research in drugs for rare diseases. As the pharma companies would not be willing to spend money on research on these drugs since it is no profitable, government must give incentives, Dr. Ramaiah suggested.
Author: G. Narasimha Rao
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/this-is-an-era-of-genetics/article7602535.ece
Leave a Comment