Metropolis Healthcare launches Centre of Genomics to scale precision diagnostics & advance research in India

New Delhi: Ameera Shah-led Metropolis Healthcare Limited, India’s second-largest and the most trusted pathology laboratory chain, today announced the launch of its Centre of Genomics, marking a significant step in scaling its long-standing capabilities in advanced genomics, molecular diagnostics, precision medicine, and genomic research.

The Centre of Genomics is designed to deliver clinically actionable genomic insights across the care continuum, supporting multiple high-impact clinical specialties.

Over the years, Metropolis has built a strong foundation in advanced genomics, with a particular focus on precision oncology anchored by its Global Reference Laboratory in Mumbai. Following the integration of Core Diagnostics’ specialised genomics laboratory in the Delhi NCR region, these complementary capabilities have been unified to operate as CAP-accredited national referral laboratories for genomics, forming the backbone of the Centre of Genomics. This integrated model brings together a broad portfolio of NGS-based assays, robust bioinformatics and interpretation capabilities, and deep scientific and clinical expertise.

As part of the Centre’s technology backbone, Metropolis has augmented its existing sequencing infrastructure with the deployment of Illumina’s NovaSeq™ X Series for research purposes. The NovaSeq™ X system features Illumina’s cutting-edge XLEAP-SBS™ chemistry, offering unmatched throughput, accuracy, and sustainability. The NovaSeq™ X Plus can generate more than 20,000 whole genomes per year, more than double the throughput of Illumina’s previous sequencers. Its unprecedented speed, scale, and accuracy push the limits of what is possible in genetic sequencing, enabling users to unlock discoveries and advancements that were previously beyond reach.

Beyond the newly deployed NovaSeq™ X Series, the Centre of Genomics is supported by an existing, multi-platform NGS infrastructure already operational across Metropolis’ key genomics hubs. The Centre of Genomics brings together multidisciplinary teams of molecular pathologists, genomic scientists, researchers, bioinformaticians, and certified genetic counsellors to ensure that complex genomic data is translated into clear, reliable, and clinically meaningful insights for patient care.

Commenting on the launch, Ms. Ameera Shah, Promoter and Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said: “Genomics marks a decisive inflection point for diagnostics in India, expanding the role of laboratories from disease detection to risk prediction, therapy personalisation, and long-term disease management. As genomics increasingly informs lifelong medical decisions, leadership in this space is defined not by adoption alone, but by rigorous validation, deep expertise, quality assurance, and clinical responsibility. Through the Centre of Genomics, we bring together orthogonal, cross-platform technologies with advanced data analytics and AI-driven trend correlations. Supported by strong clinical stewardship from subject-matter experts, a multi-specialty Medical Advisory Board, and dedicated clinical support teams, this approach enables us to build one of India’s most comprehensive and clinically integrated genomic diagnostic platforms.”

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said: “The Centre of Genomics has been designed to translate advanced genomic science into actionable clinical decision-making across high-impact disease areas, including oncology, reproductive health, neurology, transplant immunology, and rare diseases. Our differentiation lies in rigorous validation, multi-platform testing, and deep clinical integration, ensuring results are reliable and clinically meaningful. With over 220 validated genomic tests and a clear roadmap to expand beyond 500 assays over the next two to three years, the Centre of Genomics is benchmarked against leading global genomic laboratories in terms of breadth, quality, and clinical integration, while remaining closely aligned to India-specific disease patterns and care pathways.”

“As Illumina expands its presence in India, our mission is to make advanced sequencing technologies more accessible across the country,” said Suchita Dayanand, Country Head – India (Commercial), Illumina. “The NovaSeq™ X Series demonstrates our leadership in next-generation sequencing, and we are proud to see Metropolis Healthcare leveraging our most sustainable high-throughput sequencer to drive transformative research and innovation.”

Beyond portfolio expansion, the Centre of Genomics is envisioned as a platform for continuous test development, AI-enabled analytics, and deeper digital integration—strengthening reporting quality, operational efficiency, and clinical impact. With B2B operations spanning multiple countries and active engagement in pharmaceutical programs and clinical trials, Metropolis is positioning the Centre of Genomics as a strategic partner for global research, companion diagnostics, and precision-led drug development.