CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, with ESSCEE Biotech India takes a momentous step towards Self-Reliance in Lab Reagents

*Product development in public healthcare is the need of the hour & crucial for the growth of our Nation: Dr. Radha Rangarajan*

Bureau chief R L Pandey

Lucknow। In a landmark development for India's scientific community (life sciences and biomedical researchers), CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Radha Rangarajan, Director of CSIR-CDRI, executed the signing of a pivotal agreement with ESSCEE Biotech India Pvt. Ltd. that introduces a new modified quencher for life sciences research and biomedical applications. Quenchers are substances capable of absorbing energy from fluorescent dye and re-emitting much of that energy as visible light for visualizing the specific substance/molecule. The agreement signifies a pivotal stride towards self-reliance in the realm of lab reagents and API starting materials for life sciences research.
The collaborative effort, spearheaded by Dr. Atul Goel, Chief Scientist at CSIR-CDRI, and his dedicated team, in the creation of a cutting-edge modified quencher, devised through an economical route, primarily intended for biomedical applications, particularly in the field of phosphoramidite-based oligonucleotide synthesis, which are modified nucleosides and widely used as standard chemical in modern DNA synthesis reactions. These molecules permit the sequential addition of new bases to the DNA chain in an exquisitely simple and exceptionally efficient cyclic reaction. Traditionally, such fluorescence quenchers were solely imported from abroad, posing challenges to the country's public healthcare initiatives. So this achievement is especially noteworthy as the current market heavily relies on imported fluorescence quenchers for these critical applications.
Dr. Radha Rangarajan expressed her enthusiasm about the project, stating, "Product development in public healthcare is the need of the hour. By designing and synthesizing this modified quencher locally, we are taking a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in lab reagents and API starting materials, which is crucial for the growth of our nation."
The applications of single- or dual-labeled oligonucleotides in life sciences research, as well as their increasing demand in clinical therapeutics and diagnostics, underscore the importance of this innovation. The introduction of this new quencher is poised to catalyze economic growth and bolster India's standing in the global scientific community.
This collaboration between CSIR-CDRI and ESSCEE Biotech India Pvt. Ltd. signifies a major stride in India's quest for self-reliance in scientific research, marking a significant milestone towards achieving a brighter, more self-sufficient future in the field of life sciences.