IndyGeneUS AI Pledges Whole Genome Sequencing of 2M Samples Through Partnership with Aurum Institute in South Africa
WASHINGTON, DC (January 31, 2022) – IndyGeneUS AI, a leader in whole genome sequencing and machine learning-powered bioinformatics analysis secured a partnership with Global Health Innovations Ltd. and The Aurum Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa. Aurum is currently building a bio-repository to increase capacity to accommodate up to 2-million genetic samples. The agreement with IndyGeneUS AI will advance genomic research including pathogen surveillance and non-communicable diseases.
“The IndyGeneUS AI team is committed to harnessing genetic diversity throughout Africa,” says IndyGeneUS AI founder, Yusuf Henriques. “This collaboration is a testament to our collective goal of closing the drug and treatment gap on continent, particularly in the areas of Malaria, TB, and HIV-related Cancers.”
“”As a proudly African organization, we are looking forward to this partnership that will build research capacity in Africa and ensure that the technology that has been developed remains on the continent, said Aurum South Africa CEO, Prof Vinodh Edwards
IndyGeneUS AI is leveraging genetic diversity via large-scale whole-genome sequencing to advance the understanding of the disease etiology. “Timely identification of new variant pathogen strains, and accurate risk stratification and diagnostics are paramount to improving public health,” says IndyGeneUS AI CSO, Dr. Bradford Wilson. “This collaborative agreement allows us to support Aurum’s collective research infrastructure and gain access to two-million biological samples and associated clinical data. This enables us to rapidly advance infectious and chronic disease prevention and treatment leveraging next-generation sequencing technology.”
IndyGeneUS AI is a precision genomics company creating the world’s largest blockchain-encrypted repository of indigenous and diasporic African clinical and genomic data. Using proprietary technology, IndyGeneUS AI can detect novel signature sequences, identify biomarkers, and calculate polygenic risk scores by integrating multi-omic data, electronic healthcare record (EHR) data, and other textual information such as scientific manuscripts. This partnership greatly facilitates multiple areas of health disparities research significantly affecting African Diaspora populations globally.
In 2020, The Aurum Institute was awarded a seven-year grant by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) to drive the scientific agendas of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) and the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG). IndyGeneUS AI will utilize multiple next-generation DNA sequencing methodologies including sequencing by synthesis (SBS), long-read, and nanopore-leveraging platforms to aid in regional, continental, and global pathogen research of SARS-CoV-2, HIV, TB, other infectious, and chronic disease research. This collaboration reinforces the infrastructural framework necessary to scale pathogen surveillance solutions, while simultaneously dismantling health disparities.
For more information about IndyGeneUS AI visit: https://indygeneus.ai. For media inquiries contact: Angel Livas at [email protected]
###
About IndyGeneUS AI
IndyGeneUS AI is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and minority-owned biotechnology (biotech) company based in Washington, DC, with a presence in Cape Town, South Africa. The biotech firm is creating the world’s largest block-chain encrypted repository of indigenous and diasporic African clinical and multi-omics data to advance novel therapeutic gene target discovery and to drive precision health equity. Recently featured in GenomeWeb.
The Aurum Institute
Established in 1998, the Aurum Institute is an African Health Impact organization whose mission is to improve the health of people and communities living in poverty through innovation in global health research, systems, and delivery. It is rooted in Africa and is dedicated to researching, supporting, and implementing innovative, integrated approaches to Global Health. Its headquarters are in South Africa with offices in the USA, Switzerland, Ghana, Lesotho and Mozambique. The Aurum Institute has developed itself into a leader in the field of TB and HIV, bridging the worlds of research, policy, and implementation for impact.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
BioBuzz is a community led, experience focused, biotech and life sciences media and events company. BioBuzz highlights regional breaking news, industry professionals, jobs, events, and resources for business and career growth. Their weekly newsletter is subscribed to by thousands in the BioHealth Capital Region and Greater Philadelphia as the go-to for industry updates.
