The Department of Biotechnology has launched its first Ferret Research Facility, the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository to advance maternal and child health research.
- It also signed a crucial technology transfer agreement.
About GARBH-INi-DRISHTI Data Repository
- Developed at: Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI).
- THSTI is an autonomous institute of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), located in Faridabad (Haryana).
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About the Technology Transfer Agreement
- Technology Transfer Agreement signed with Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
- Objective: To commercialize THSTI’s innovative microbial consortium, Lactobacillus crispatus, for women’s health application.
- Potential Applications:
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- Nutraceuticals and probiotics for reproductive health.
- Therapeutics for treating vaginal infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
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- Purpose: It will provide access to one of South Asia’s largest pregnancy cohort datasets.
- Significance:
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- Contains clinical data, images, and biospecimens from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers.
- Empowers global researchers to conduct studies on maternal and neonatal health.
- It is part of GARBH-INi Program, a national initiative for maternal and child health research.
About GARBH-INi Program
- Objective: Enhances maternal and child health research and develops prediction tools for preterm birth.
- Initiative by: Department of Biotechnology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
- Part of: Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Mission; Undertaking Nationally Relevant Technology Innovation (UNaTI).
About India’s First Ferret Research Facility
- State-of-the-art biosafety laboratory designed for advanced biomedical research using ferrets.
- Strengthens India’s capacity for vaccine development, infectious disease research, and pandemic preparedness.
- Facility Location: THSTI, Faridabad, Haryana.
Why Ferrets?
- Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo):
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- Small, carnivorous mammals from the weasel family (Mustelidae).
- Domesticated for over 2,500 years and commonly used in biomedical research.
- Ferrets are widely used in biomedical research, especially for:
- Respiratory diseases like influenza, COVID-19, and tuberculosis.
- Vaccine and drug testing for emerging infectious diseases.
- Neurological and gastrointestinal studies.
- Reproductive health and genetic research.
- Reason for Preference: Their respiratory system closely resembles humans, making them ideal for studying airborne diseases.
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About Lactobacillus crispatus
- Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus): A beneficial probiotic bacterium naturally present in the female reproductive and urinary tracts.
- Helps maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and antimicrobial compounds.
- Lactobacillus crispatus & THSTI’s Research: THSTI isolated a genetically defined strain of L. crispatus from Indian women enrolled in the GARBH-INi cohort.
- Essential for pregnant women as it:
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- Reduces the risk of preterm birth.
- Prevents infections linked to infertility and pregnancy complications.
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