Thiruvananthapuram, June 24 (UNI)

Kerala Health and Devaswoms Minister K. Muraleedharan has said the advanced research facilities at the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Centre–Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) played a crucial role in preventing a potential Ebola outbreak in the state.

Recalling the recent Ebola scare, Muraleedharan said samples sent from Kozhikode were tested at BRIC-RGCB within 12 hours, and preliminary results indicating the sample was negative were obtained in just four hours, well before the final confirmation arrived from the laboratory in Pune.

The Minister, who visited the BRIC-RGCB campus at Akkulam, said the institution has emerged as a key pillar of Kerala's healthcare system and is supporting the government's vision of building a "Healthy Kerala."
He praised the scientists and researchers for their prompt response, noting that no second suspected Ebola case has been reported in the state.

The Minister also visited several advanced facilities at the campus, including the Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory, the National Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors, and the Malaria Research Laboratory.
BRIC-RGCB Director Dr. Beena Pillai presented an overview of the institution's growth and major scientific achievements. She highlighted ongoing research in cardiovascular diseases, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and malaria, while outlining plans to expand research into mental health challenges in view of India's rapidly ageing population. She noted that by 2050, one in five Indians is expected to be a senior citizen.

Dr. Pillai also showcased the centre's AI-driven design of RNA and protein-based patentable biomanufacturing products. She said BRIC-RGCB has partnered with leading cancer research institutions, including the Cochin Cancer Research Centre, to strengthen cancer research.

Dr. Radhakrishan R., Head of Grade I Virology at the Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics (LMMD), explained the infectious disease testing capabilities available at BRIC-RGCB.

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