The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) recently made headlines with the launch of the National Biomedical Resource Indigenization Consortium (NBRIC). This initiative is set to drive indigenous innovation by focusing on the development of reagents, used in chemical reactions, diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics for Covid-19. Hosted and led by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), this project signals significant progress in India’s bio-medical sector.
NBRIC: A ‘Make in India’ Initiative
The NBRIC forms part of the larger ‘Make in India’ drive with a focus on biomedical research and innovative products. It is geared towards promoting import substitution and exports within the industry. This initiative outlines a vision for furthering national interest by boosting domestic innovation and reducing reliance on imported goods.
Objectives of NBRIC
The NBRIC aims to establish a nationwide collaborative platform for the convergence of research, product resources, and services. This platform will aid the development of reagents, diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics across India. By serving as a conduit between providers/manufacturing enterprises of crucial biomedical resources and policy-makers, the NBRIC plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the sector. It also facilitates connections with other stakeholders from public and private sectors, fostering an environment of cooperation and shared knowledge.
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP)
The C-CAMP serves as the hosting and leading entity for the NBRIC. As one of the centers for technology-based innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of life sciences, it falls under the purview of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). With its aim to develop state-of-the-art technologies, the C-CAMP also provides training on these technologies for academia and the industry at large. This dual focus on innovation and education makes the C-CAMP an integral part of India’s biotechnology landscape.
Expected Impact
The creation of NBRIC is likely to have far-reaching effects on India’s biomedical industry. By promoting domestic production and boosting the sector’s competitive edge, it positions India as a contender on the global stage. Furthermore, by fostering collaboration between researchers, manufacturers, policy-makers, and other stakeholders, it ensures a holistic approach to tackling the challenges of biomedical research and development.
The current global health crisis has underscored the importance of a strong biomedical sector. The NBRIC, through its drive for indigenous innovation in reagents, diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, is poised to contribute significantly to the fight against Covid-19. As such, it represents a crucial step forward in India’s journey towards self-reliance in the biomedical sphere.
The launch of the National Biomedical Resource Indigenization Consortium (NBRIC) by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), is a noteworthy development in India’s biomedical landscape. Serving as a catalyst for indigenous innovation, it promotes collaboration, drives import substitution, and fosters competitiveness within the sector. Hosted and led by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), the NBRIC signals significant progress in the ‘Make in India’ initiative for biomedical research and innovative products.
