BRIC-THSTI Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Specific Pathogen Free Experimental Animal Facility
BRIC-THSTI (Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute) today marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 15th Foundation Day. On this occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh Ji, Hon'ble Minister of State (IC) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, inaugurated its state-of-the-art Specific Pathogen Free Experimental Animal Facility. The occasion was also graced by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, DG, BRIC & Secretary DBT, Govt. of India, Prof. G. Kartikeyan, Executive Director, BRIC-THSTI, Mr. M. V. Santo, Head Admin, BRIC-THSTI, Dr. Amit Awasthi, Senior Professor, BRIC-THSTI, Dr. Amit Kumar Pandey, Associate Professor and In-charge, Experimental Animal Facility, and other dignitaries.
BRIC-THSTI, a leading institute dedicated to translating research into healthcare innovations, commemorates fifteen years of groundbreaking contributions to the field of health sciences. Over the years, the institute has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application, thereby enhancing healthcare outcomes in the country. Dr. Amit Kumar Pandey, Associate Professor & In-charge, Experimental Animal Facility stated that the inauguration of the Experimental Animal Facility (EAF) underscores the Institute’s commitment to advancing research capabilities in the domain of biomedical sciences. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and adhering to the highest standards of animal welfare, the facility will serve as a crucial hub for conducting preclinical studies aimed at developing novel therapies and vaccines.
Dr. Bhisma Narayan Panda, Scientist- Veterinarian, BRIC-THSTI, informed that the facility, built with the generous support of the Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, is one of the largest small animal facilities in the country, boasting the capacity to house 60,000 to 70,000 mice, including immune compromised mice and provision for other species such as rat, rabbit, hamsters, guinea pigs. It is poised to significantly bolster both basic and translational research by offering an advanced animal model platform for pre-clinical studies.
The facility is meticulously designed to meet the needs of cutting-edge research. It houses:
A state-of-the-art mouse germ plasm cryopreservation laboratory
A dedicated transgenic mice laboratory
A well-equipped histo- & clinical pathology laboratory
The Experimental Animal Facility caters to diverse research requirements with dedicated suites for:
Housing immunocompromised mice strains
Performing delicate small animal surgeries
The facility is further empowered by high-end equipment, including:
Live whole animal imaging systems
Comprehensive Lab Animal Metabolic System (CLAMS)
Micro CT scanners
Automatic cage and rack washers
The facility aims serve as a Nodal Resource Centre that will foster national and international collaborations between academic institutions, hospitals and industry. It aims to not only expedite research but also nurture a skilled workforce by providing training opportunities in the field of laboratory animal science. Further, this facility is also going to cater the needs of proposed BRIC Innovation Park which is going to come up at the cluster.
BRIC-THSTI's Commitment The inauguration of this facility underscores BRIC-THSTI's unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant research ecosystem that fuels advancements in healthcare and life sciences.
