The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology inaugurated a state-of-the-art “Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors” at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The facility has been developed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) with an investment of approximately ₹60 crore. It aims to strengthen drug discovery, medical research, and agricultural genomics in India by providing advanced infrastructure for biotechnology research.
Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors
The newly inaugurated facility contains engineered recombinant cells and advanced screening systems designed to accelerate research and innovation in biotechnology.
Key Features
- Developed with ₹60 crore investment by DBT
- Houses a large panel of engineered recombinant cells
- Equipped with advanced screening technologies for drug discovery
- Supports target-specific drug discovery and screening
- Designed to serve academia, industry, and healthcare innovators across India
The facility has been built through long-term government-supported research programmes, making it a national resource for biotechnology innovation.
Role in Drug Discovery and Genomics
The facility will play a crucial role in accelerating precision drug discovery by enabling scientists to identify potential therapeutic targets faster.
Major Applications
- Drug discovery and development
- Medical research and therapeutic innovation
- Agricultural genomics and biotechnology research
- Biological screening and testing of new molecules
By enabling advanced cell-based testing and analysis, the facility will help translate laboratory discoveries into clinical therapies more quickly.
New GMP Facility for Advanced Therapies
Along with the central facility, a dedicated Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility has also been announced at BRIC-RGCB.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
| Total Investment | ₹80 crore by DBT |
| Implementation | Two phases |
| Purpose | Pre-commercial production of biologics and advanced therapies |
| Key Technology | Support for CAR-T therapy and cell-based treatments |
The GMP facility will act as a bridge between laboratory research and industrial-scale production of advanced biotechnology products.
Functions of the GMP Facility
- Pre-commercial production of biologics and cell-based therapies
- Support for CAR-T therapy development
- Collaboration with clinical centres in Kerala
- Access to biotech companies through a “pay-and-use” model
This infrastructure will significantly strengthen India’s biopharmaceutical and biotechnology ecosystem.
Significance of Initiative
The new biotechnology facilities are expected to contribute to several strategic goals:
- Accelerate drug discovery and precision medicine research
- Support cell-based therapies and immunotherapy development
- Strengthen India’s biotechnology innovation ecosystem
- Enable faster translation of research into clinical applications
- Boost collaboration between academia, industry, and healthcare sectors
Such initiatives align with India’s broader strategy to expand biotechnology research, pharmaceutical innovation, and genomic sciences.
BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB)
The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology is a premier research institute dedicated to molecular biology and biotechnology research.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Administrative Body | Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) |
| Parent Department | Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India |
| Research Focus | Molecular biology, biotechnology, genomics |
The institute functions as an autonomous institution under the Department of Biotechnology.
Historical Background
Originally, the institute functioned as an R&D centre under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE).
In 1991, recognising its potential, it was converted into a Grant-in-Aid institute of the Government of Kerala and renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Development of Education, Science and Technology (RGC-DEST).
It was also the first institute in India to be named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.