The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) recently announced the launch of the ‘Longevity India’ Initiative, which aims to tackle aging-related challenges and extend human ‘healthspan’.
A large-scale clinical study under this initiative will incorporate researchers from across multiple IISc departments, clinicians, industry, philanthropists, and civil society.
The initiative, which seeks to broaden the understanding of aging through combined fundamental and applied research, has received initial grant funding support from Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner at Accel India.
IISc states that this initiative, which lays emphasis on promoting healthy aging across India, will leverage advanced research to develop interventions to help effectively manage age-related diseases.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson, Biocon, said in her speech at the launch, “As we witness remarkable progress in aging research, it’s evident that collaboration between industry and academia is essential. With India’s elderly population projected to surge to 347 million by 2050, it is imperative that we leverage technology to provide accessible geriatric healthcare, nurture the silver economy, and invest in digital systems that support aging populations.”
In an official collaboration, MS Ramaiah Hospital and Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute have joined hands to conduct a clinical study for identifying biomarkers of aging. This is also backed by crucial support from leading industry partners like Beckman Coulter, Healthians, Valerian Proteomics, and DecodeAge who are providing their technologies at accessible costs to accelerate research efforts.
“There is an urgent need for diverse stakeholders from academia, healthcare, and industry to come together, and nurture technology development and deep research on healthy aging,”
Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc
The research focus of the initiative includes the identification of early disease indicators, investigation of aging biomarkers, and developing of solutions in the form of new therapeutics and technologies to aid in healthy ageing. The institute’s extensive background in biological and interdisciplinary sciences will contribute to the development, testing, and implementation of these innovations.
Reference- https://iisc.ac.in/events/iisc-launches-longevity-india-initiative-to-pioneer-ageing-research-in-india/
(Rehash/ Dr. Vineesha V/MSM)
