Genome Sequencing Offers New Hope for Advanced Healthcare in Bangladesh

Bangla Press Desk:   Genome sequencing and genomics-based research have the potential to transform healthcare in Bangladesh by enabling faster and more accurate diagnosis of complex diseases and advancing precision medicine, experts said at an international conference in Dhaka on Saturday.

The observations came at the International Genomics Conference, organised by the Bangladesh Genomics Consortium with support from Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr Samreen Islam, founder of the Bangladesh Genomics Consortium and a genomics and stem cell specialist.

Among the speakers were Naser Shahriar Zahedi, chairman of Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited; cancer specialist Prof MA Hai; Associate Prof Mark Kristiansen; Prof Diego Marin of Rutgers University, USA; and Lt Gen (retd) Sinha Ibn Jamali, managing director of Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited. The event was moderated by Dr Zeenat Ara.

The experts said genomics enables scientists and clinicians to identify the genetic causes of diseases, assess an individual's risk of developing specific conditions and tailor treatment to each patient. They noted that genome sequencing can also accelerate the development of new medicines and therapies.

They said genomics is increasingly being integrated into routine clinical diagnosis and treatment in many countries and has the potential to improve the management of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and rare genetic conditions.

Prof MA Hai said genome sequencing could significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other complex diseases, stressing the need to expand access to such technologies in Bangladesh.

Associate Prof Mark Kristiansen said clinical genomics is transforming healthcare worldwide, with genomic information playing an increasingly important role in disease diagnosis, risk assessment, treatment planning and patient management.

Prof Diego Marin said precision medicine, molecular diagnostics and predictive genomics are making healthcare more personalised and effective by improving disease detection and treatment strategies.

Naser Shahriar Zahedi said Bangladesh has significant potential in genome sequencing and urged the Ministry of Health to take broader initiatives to advance the field. He also reaffirmed Radiant Pharmaceuticals' commitment to supporting healthcare innovation.

Lt Gen (retd) Sinha Ibn Jamali said the company has been working to promote advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies and expressed hope that the Bangladesh Genomics Consortium's initiative would make a meaningful contribution to the country's healthcare sector.

Dr Samreen Islam underscored the importance of building a strong genomics ecosystem by bringing together physicians, researchers, universities, hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, government agencies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, technology partners and investors.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion featuring national and international experts on the future of genomics and its role in advancing precision healthcare in Bangladesh.