Siriraj and Oxford Nanopore Technologies Establish ASEAN’s First Nanopore Center of Excellence

A Pioneering Collaboration in Genomics
The Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, has partnered with Oxford Nanopore Technologies to establish the first Center of Excellence in Nanopore Technology in Southeast Asia. Based at the Siriraj Long-read Lab (Si-LoL), this groundbreaking initiative aims to advance genomics research and enhance medical capabilities in Thailand.

A Milestone for Medicine, Genomics, and Thailand's Economy
Anna Pearson, Acting British Ambassador to Thailand, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Thailand and the UK, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in driving global medical advancements. Professor Dr. Apichat Asavamongkolkul, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, noted that Siriraj has been a leader in genomic studies, opening new avenues for personalized medicine and innovative research.

This collaboration aligns with Thailand's rapid development in genomics, supporting the economy in fields such as cancer research, food safety, and biotechnology ecosystems across Southeast Asia.

Advanced Genomics Applications

   1.Cancer

        - Comprehensive genetic decoding supports personalized cancer treatment, improving recovery rates and outcomes.

   2.Infectious Diseases

        - Real-time genetic analysis enables rapid detection and control of pathogens, crucial for managing outbreaks like COVID-19.

   3.Rare Diseases

        - Long-read sequencing helps identify rare genetic disorders previously undetectable, facilitating accurate diagnosis and tailored              treatments.

   4.Complex Diseases

        - Conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia benefit from genomic insights, enabling precise prevention and            treatment strategies.

   5.Pharmacogenomics

        - Genetic data optimizes medication use, minimizing side effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

Empowering Genomics Beyond Medicine

   1.Agriculture and Plant Science

        - Genomic sequencing enables the development of resilient, high-yield crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food                  security.

   2.Animal Genomics

        - Genetic analysis supports livestock and aquaculture improvements, enhancing productivity and health for sustainable farming.

   3.Education and Research

        - The Center offers advanced genomic research opportunities, fostering a new generation of scientists skilled in genomics and                bioinformatics.

   4.Economic Growth and Innovation

        - The initiative creates a platform for biotech startups, positioning Thailand as a regional leader in biotechnology.

Technological Breakthroughs
The Siriraj Long-read Lab uses cutting-edge technology from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, enabling highly accurate and rapid genomic decoding. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lab demonstrated its capabilities by sequencing the Omicron variant in just 16 hours, providing critical data for outbreak management.

A Vision for the Future
This collaboration establishes Thailand as a leader in genomics and biotechnology, with applications extending to healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sciences. Supported by local distributor Biodesign Co., Ltd., this partnership not only strengthens Thailand’s scientific community but also drives long-term economic and healthcare advancements.

 

 

For more information, visit:

   - Oxford Nanopore Technologies
   - Siriraj Long-read Lab (Si-LoL)
   - Biodesign Co., Ltd.
   - Mahidol University News