Subodh Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Lord’s Mark Microbiotech is a seasoned healthcare professional with close to three decades of industry experience. He is currently leading the preventive genetics diagnostic business of the company.
In an exclusive interview, Subodh Gupta shares details on company’s long-term vision, its initiatives including genomic testing, and personalized healthcare.
What is the vision behind Lord’s Mark Microbiotech? Key milestones achieved so far?
With the launch of MyDNA through its subsidiary, Lords Mark Microbiotech, the Lords Mark Industries plans to foray into preventive as well as clinical genetic testing across the country. MyDNA is formed with prime focus to alleviate and improve the health of Indians by delivering personalized, actionable insights through genome testing. MyDNA not only addresses the unanswered questions regarding health, fitness and genetic disorders but also predicts the future and the risk to develop widespread genetic and lifestyle diseases. Innovation and technology upgradation will be the key focus area so as to provide the latest and accurate testing methodologies.
We have been able to offer eighth preventive genetic test to doctors and patients which encompass various therapy areas like cardiology, oncology, comprehensive genetic risk profiling, paediatrics, women health, dermatology, fitness and pharmacogenomics.
Can you elaborate on the specific areas within microbiology that the company specializes in and the potential impact of your work?
In the area of Genome testing, it will be our endeavour to take this technology through our brand MyDNA to the health care providers and the patients to help them identify the risks of various disease conditions before the actual onset based on the genetic pre-disposition of the individual. Thus help the person prevent such diseases by lifestyle modifications and by taking precautions. Lord’s Mark Microbiotech is working upon latest, low cost and easily deployable diagnostic tools to diagnose and manage diseases like cancer, Tuberculosis, which will enable the health care providers to rapidly and accurately diagnose these conditions. The company is in collaboration with leading scientific and research institutes of the country to develop and deploy these diagnostic tools.
“We invest in ongoing research to improve testing accuracy, identify new genetic markers, and develop cutting-edge technologies.”
How does the genomic testing technology developed by Lord’s Mark Microbiotech stand out in the market?
Our preventive genome tests are saliva-based test and do not require extraction of blood or the need of a phlebotomist. They can be done by an individual after reading the enclosed instructions in the kit at their home as well. With over 22 years of experience and a vast database accumulated, we generate highly accurate results, boasting a 99.6% accuracy rate. We have our own patented algorithm called SNAPPY for calculating the Polygenic Risk Score. PRS estimates an individual’s genetic risk (predisposition) for a trait or condition. PRS takes the sum of all known common variants to calculate an overall genetic risk for a particular condition. Besides, we use our own custom chip which is manufactured by Illumina and ~4000 unique markers when compared to other chips on the market. Speaking about data confidentiality, we use Biotracker™ by Ocimum Biosolutions to manage and track information at every stage of the process that ensures compliance while maintaining confidential records of the patients.
How will this technology help in personalized healthcare recommendations? What about the affordability and availability of the test?
Preventive genomics facilitates early detection of diseases through regular screenings and monitoring. Based on genetic risk profiles, individuals may undergo targeted screening protocols at earlier stages to detect diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, or hereditary conditions, allowing for timely interventions and improved prognosis. In addition to preventive Genome testing, we will also be focusing on pharmacogenomics which can help optimize drug selection and dosages based on an individual’s genetic makeup and being able to suggest the most preferable drug to treat a particular disease for an individual thereby enabling personalized medication regimens with improved efficacy and reduced adverse effects.
The products and technology for our Genome Tests will be made available to the common people of our country through the doctors and hospitals which will be serviced and met by our field force. Our products & tests can also be ordered through our website and we will ensure timely delivery of the testing kit within 48 hours and reverse pick up after the test is conducted and the sample is ready. Price range of the test will be between Rs 8,000 to Rs 16,000, providing an end to end preventive genetic testing solution. In the first phase of launch we will be focusing on Metro and tier one cities and will be penetrating up to tier 2 and tier 3 towns in next 3-4 years.
“We plan to increase our reach to Tier 2 & Tier 3 towns in next 3-5 years.”
