In a significant move towards bolstering pandemic preparedness, the Department of Biotechnology in India is set to embark on a comprehensive study of thousands of COVID-19 samples and clinical material collected during the pandemic. This ambitious research project, entrusted to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a network of 54 laboratories, aims to unlock critical insights into individual susceptibility to viral infections and the metabolic changes triggered by the virus, knowledge that could be crucial in combating future pandemics.
“The plan is to conduct retrospective studies, leveraging the vast trove of samples accumulated during the pandemic,” revealed a government official privy to the initiative. The primary objective is to unravel the scientific underpinnings of COVID-19 infections, including understanding the immunological basis for individual variations in susceptibility, how the virus evolves, and the intricate interplay between metabolic activity and the specific changes observed in infected individuals, even long after the initial infection.
The importance of this research is underscored by the global health challenge posed by long COVID. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a concerning 10-20% of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, may experience persistent or new symptoms that meet the criteria for long COVID diagnosis. This condition is defined as the continuation or development of symptoms at least three months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, lasting for a minimum of two months and without any other explanation.
The symptoms associated with long COVID are diverse, ranging from fatigue and shortness of breath to cognitive dysfunction, with over 200 different symptoms reported to date. “We are actively engaged in discussions with the entire scientific community involved in gathering this data to develop a robust framework for conducting these studies. Our goal is to extract meaningful insights from the available data and prepare for future pandemic threats,” emphasized the official.
India’s plan to repurpose the accumulated COVID-19 samples for retrospective studies aligns with a global trend. While many nations have already initiated similar research endeavors, India’s strategy aims to make the most of its valuable resource. “The proposals we are receiving, each with unique ideas, propel the initiative forward… we have established a network of dedicated individuals who are committed to keeping this network intact. The INSACOG network serves as a platform for larger-scale endeavors, ensuring ongoing engagement and collaborative efforts,” explained the official.
With India’s COVID-19 case numbers having fallen to record lows over the past year, this research holds immense potential for understanding the long-term impact of the virus, identifying vulnerable populations, and developing strategies for future pandemic preparedness. The Department of Biotechnology and the Ministry of Health are expected to provide further details about the project as it progresses.
