Oncology is one of the areas of medicine most impacted by genomics — a field of biology that helps researchers and clinicians understand cancer and develop better treatments. Strand Life Sciences, a spin-off from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), is a leading player in integrating genomics into everyday healthcare practices, improving patient outcomes through precision medicine. In this interview, Ramesh Hariharan, CEO, Strand Life Sciences, speaks to Sudhir Chowdhary on the growing demand for genetic testing in the country and how his company is making it more affordable and accessible. Excerpts:
What are the factors driving the demand for genetic testing?
The demand for genetic testing globally and in India is primarily fueled by the increasing availability and acceptance of targeted therapies in cancer treatment and by increasing use of genetic testing in reproductive health and rare disease diagnosis. This is supported by advancements in technology making tests more affordable. Government initiatives and funding, combined with the growing use of prenatal and newborn screening and assisted reproductive technologies, are further expanding the scope of genetic testing. Additionally, there is growing interest to understand their genetic footprint to understand hereditary risks and make preventive health care and lifestyle decisions.
Tell us about Strand Life Sciences’ offerings in the oncology arena.
Strand Life Sciences provides a comprehensive portfolio of oncology genomic solutions covering both hereditary risk screening and cancer patient testing. Our hereditary risk screening tests detect genetic errors commonly associated with increased risk of developing cancer. Our tests for cancer patients range from cancer-specific panels such as breast, lung, colorectal, to more advanced comprehensive genomic profiling tests that cover multiple cancer markers.
Our flagship Somatic Advantage 74 and Somatic Advantage 500 tests are high quality precision oncology applications that aid in both prognostic and therapeutic decisions. We also offer Liquid Biopsy tests that detect tumor DNA in blood samples and hence offer a useful solution where tumor samples can’t be surgically accessed. Strand’s Somatic Advantage 74 Liquid Biopsy tests match the global sensitivity and specificity standards, and offer a minimally invasive method for cancer biomarker detection.
Please share some use cases wherein you helped people in the early detection of cancer.
In 2019, we collaborated with the University of Chicago to develop a novel early detection test based on detecting tumor DNA fragments in saliva and identifying relevant biomarkers. Strand has since conducted significant R&D to develop a broader early cancer test that needs a simple blood draw and uses proprietary genome sequencing and advanced AI supported analysis to identify cancer signatures.
In which areas of oncology are genomic diagnostic tests making headway?
Genomic diagnostic tests are gaining traction across several critical areas within oncology, particularly in informing targeted therapy, early cancer detection and monitoring minimal residual disease. These tests are invaluable in guiding therapy, enabling more tailored, personalised treatments. Genetic screening tests are also being increasingly adopted by individuals seeking to understand familial or hereditary risk of cancer.
How are you addressing the accessibility and affordability factor?
Strand solutions are widely accessible via our logistics network across India and in various countries in Central Asia, Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia. Additionally, we offer complimentary genetic counseling to help patients understand both the process and the results. We continuously work towards adopting the latest technologies to ensure our tests are affordable and accessible to all who need them. We also collaborate with pharmaceutical companies to provide patient support programmes, making precision medicine more accessible and affordable for those in need.
Is talent availability a major issue in the country?
While genomics is a specialised and continuously evolving field, India has a growing pool of talent in genomics and related sciences. As demand increases, there is a need to further invest in education and training to bridge any gaps in expertise. Strand hires from leading technical institutes in India and provides a structured training programme. We also actively support initiatives to nurture talent in this field and collaborate with academic institutions to create opportunities for research and skill development through internships and training programmes.
