India's First Animal Stem Cell Biobank in Hyderabad

India Launches Its First Animal Stem Cell Biobank in Hyderabad

In a groundbreaking move for India’s biotech landscape, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, recently inaugurated the country’s first animal stem cell biobank in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. The facility, developed by the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) under the Department of Biotechnology’s Biotechnology Research Innovation Council (BRIC), represents a significant milestone in animal biotechnology.

Why This Matters:

• The biobank will store and preserve high-quality stem cells from various animal species, along with cost-effective, domestically produced cell culture media.

• Designed to serve veterinary clinics, research institutions, hospitals, and the biotechnology industry, it enhances national capability in regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing.

Bigger Impact:

• The project aligns with the government’s BioE3 policy, which aims to bolster the economy, employment, and environmental sustainability through biotechnology.

• It promises to improve veterinary care, boost livestock productivity, and shield farmers’ livelihoods.

• Crucially, it could reduce India’s reliance on imported biotech materials and strengthen its capacity to predict and contain zoonotic diseases, which are responsible for a substantial portion of emerging infections worldwide.

This innovation heralds a much-needed leap forward in India’s biotech infrastructure—it’s not just a lab; it’s a strategic investment in sustainable animal health, food security, and scientific self-reliance.