Daijiworld Media Network - Roorkee
Roorkee, Jan 22: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have announced the creation of an advanced antibody discovery platform that could significantly reshape the way diseases are diagnosed and treated. The breakthrough centres on building an ultra-large, highly diverse library of single-domain antibodies, also known as nanobodies, capable of delivering faster and more precise medical solutions.
The newly developed platform is designed to rapidly identify antibodies that are both highly stable and strongly binding, making it applicable across a wide range of conditions, including infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and newly emerging pathogens. By drastically shortening the time required for antibody discovery, the system addresses a major bottleneck in healthcare responses, particularly during public health crises when speed is critical.
Professor Rajesh Kumar from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Roorkee said the initiative marks a major step toward building self-reliant biomedical capabilities in India. He noted that creating a universal, high-diversity antibody discovery system within the country would enable quicker responses to disease outbreaks and support the development of affordable diagnostic and therapeutic tools for vulnerable populations.
The research aligns closely with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, with a strong focus on supporting low- and middle-income countries where timely and cost-effective healthcare solutions are often limited. By strengthening indigenous research infrastructure and generating homegrown intellectual property, the initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported biologics and reinforce national healthcare preparedness.
IIT Roorkee director Prof. K. K. Pant highlighted that the project reflects the power of combining fundamental scientific research with a clear translational vision and industry partnerships to tackle urgent societal challenges. He emphasized that such collaborations are essential for converting laboratory innovations into real-world healthcare solutions.
To ensure the technology moves beyond research and into practical use, IIT Roorkee has entered into a strategic partnership with industry. As part of this effort, the institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IMGENEX India to facilitate collaborative research, co-development of next-generation biologics, and skill development in antibody engineering, diagnostics, therapeutics, and bioprocessing. This collaboration is expected to play a key role in scaling up and validating antibody-based innovations for clinical and commercial deployment.