Strengthening Quad: The Need for a Biomanufacturing Hub in India

In order to promote cooperation and investigate potential in critical and emerging technologies, including biotechnology, the Quad, which consists of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, established a Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group in March 2021. In the area of biotechnology, there is yet unrealized potential for Quad cooperation. The creation of a biomanufacturing hub led by the Quad in India is urgently required to improve cooperation and take use of the complementary strengths of the Quad nations.

The Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group is what exactly?

The Critical and Emerging Technology Working Group of the Quad is a cooperative project started by the Quad nations.

It was formed in March 2021 with the aim of facilitating cooperation, monitoring trends, and exploring opportunities related to critical and emerging technologies. The working group focuses on identifying and addressing key issues and challenges in areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and other cutting-edge fields.

It serves as a platform for the Quad countries to share expertise, exchange information, and coordinate efforts in order to harness the potential of these technologies for economic growth, national security, and societal development.

For instance, in the field of 5G, the Quad members have worked on developing telecommunications networks to counter the pervasive presence of China’s Huawei through the use of open radio access (O-RAN) networks.

What is mean by Biomanufacturing?

Biomanufacturing refers to the use of biological systems, such as living organisms (microorganisms, cell cultures, or plants), to produce commercially valuable products on a large scale. It involves harnessing the power of biological processes and utilizing them in industrial applications.

In biomanufacturing, living organisms are employed as “factories” to perform specific tasks or produce desired molecules. These organisms can be genetically engineered or naturally occurring, depending on the desired outcome.

The organisms are cultivated in controlled environments, such as bioreactors, where they are provided with optimal conditions for growth and production. They are fed with specific nutrients, and their growth and metabolic activities are carefully regulated.

Biomanufacturing can encompass a wide range of products, including pharmaceuticals, enzymes, biofuels, specialty chemicals, biomaterials, and more.

Biomanufacturing is often more sustainable and environmentally friendly, as it relies on renewable resources and has the potential to reduce waste and pollution.

Why India stands as the ideal choice to host the biomanufacturing hub?

India’s ambition of biomanufacturing: India’s National Biotechnology Development Strategy sets a target of reaching $100 billion in the biomanufacturing sector.

Existing Infrastructure: India already has existing infrastructure in place, including pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and research institutions, that can be utilized to establish and expand biomanufacturing capabilities. This infrastructure provides a solid foundation for the development of a biomanufacturing hub.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Expertise: India has a long-standing reputation as a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry. The country has established expertise in manufacturing and quality control processes, which can be leveraged for biomanufacturing. The experience gained in pharmaceutical manufacturing can be applied to biomanufacturing, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining high-quality production.

Skilled Workforce: India possesses a large pool of skilled professionals in the life sciences and biotechnology sectors. The country’s workforce includes scientists, engineers, and technicians with expertise in various aspects of biomanufacturing. This skilled workforce can contribute to the success of the biomanufacturing hub by driving research, development, and production activities.

Research Output: India has demonstrated its research capabilities in biomanufacturing, ranking high in terms of the quality of research output and the share of research publications. The country’s strong research base provides a solid foundation for innovation and advancements in biomanufacturing processes and technologies.

Cost-Effectiveness: India has a competitive advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness. The cost of manufacturing in India is generally lower compared to countries like the United States, making it an attractive destination for cost-efficient biomanufacturing. This cost advantage can contribute to the affordability and accessibility of biomanufactured products.

Potential for Affordable Scale: India has the potential to provide affordable scalability in biomanufacturing processes. With its large population and manufacturing capabilities, India can meet the demand for biomanufactured products on a large scale, leading to cost-effective production and availability of essential biopharmaceuticals and other biotechnological products.

Complementary Strengths of Quad Nations

Advanced Biotechnology Innovation Ecosystems: Japan, Australia, and the United States have well-established and advanced biotechnology innovation ecosystems. These ecosystems comprise research institutions, universities, biotech companies, and startups that drive innovation and technological advancements in biotechnology.

Funding Capability: The United States, being one of the Quad nations, brings significant funding capability to the table. The U.S. government and private sector invest heavily in research, development, and commercialization of biotechnology.

Skilled Workforce: India, as a Quad member, offers a large pool of skilled manpower, particularly in the life sciences field. Collaborative efforts can facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building to enhance the skills of the workforce across the Quad nations.

Rasht-Astara Railway Link

The primary connection in the developing North-South Transport Corridor, the 162 km Rasht-Astara Iranian Railway, will be financed and constructed thanks to an agreement between Russia and Iran.

Rasht-Astara Railway Link

The Rash Astra Railway runs 162 km along the border between Rasht, Iran, and Astara, Azerbaijan.

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which it is a component of, would greatly diversify the types of traffic that travel throughout the world.

The railway will make connections between Iranian ports in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf and Russian ports on the Baltic Sea.

the INSTC

The 7,200-kilometer Multi-Mode Transit System known as the INSTC connects Central Asia, Europe, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and India.

It promotes transportation cooperation among member states and includes ship, rail, and road routes.

Membership has expanded to include additional countries, and observer states and Baltic countries have expressed interest in joining.

Significance of INSTC for India

Central Asia trade: India has invested in the Chabahar Port in Iran, which serves as a doorway for trade with Central Asian countries.

Extended connection: INSTC offers potential connections to the Baltic, Nordic, and Arctic regions.

Bypassing Pakistan: INSTC provides an alternate route for India to connect with Central Asia, bypassing obstacles in Pakistan.

Fastest freight: It reduces transit time by 40% and freight costs by 30% compared to the Suez Canal route.

Alternative to Suez: Russia claims the project could ultimately rival the Suez Canal in terms of trade flows.

Challenges of INSTC

Challenges include limited financial support from major international institutions due to US sanctions on Iran.

Harmonization of tariffs and customs, increased private sector involvement, and improved informational connectivity are necessary for success.

Did Neanderthals shape our noses?

• The human nose has historical and cultural importance beyond its practical functions.
• Different societies have their own standards of beauty related to nose shape and proportion.
• The nose is significant in art, literature, and remnants of ancient civilizations.

Who were the Neanderthals?

Genetic association study on Human Nose

• A recent study used 2D images and automated measurements of facial landmarks to conduct a genetic association study.
• The study involved over 6,000 Latin American individuals and identified 42 new genetic loci associated with the human nose.
• Some of these loci, including 1q32.3, were replicated in other populations like Asians, Europeans, and Africans.

Role of Neanderthal Genes and ATF3 Gene

• The genetic locus 1q32.3, associated with midface height, has contributions from Neanderthals.
• The ATF3 gene, located in this locus, is regulated by FOXL2, which is involved in skull and face development.
• Changes in nose shape may have evolutionary implications, helping humans adapt to different climates.

Neanderthal Genomes and Human Traits

• Genomic loci from Neanderthals and Denisovans have influenced various traits and diseases in modern humans.
• Evidence suggests these genomic contributions affect pathogen response, skin conditions, blood conditions, cancers, and mental health.
• Understanding the genetic interactions between archaic and modern human genomes aids in comprehending genetic diversity and adaptability.

Human Origins and Interbreeding

• Human migrations out of Africa, interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans, and extinct archaic hominids have shaped human traits.
• Recent studies highlight that early humans diverged in Africa from multiple ancestral roots, with varying degrees of genetic components from archaic humans in different populations.

WHO’s advisory on Non-Sugar Sweeteners

New recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO) caution against using non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) as a healthy substitute for sugar.

Non-Sugar Sweeteners: What Are They?

Aspartame, saccharin, stevia, and other NSS are low or no calorie substitutes for sugar.

They are promoted for helping people lose weight and managing blood sugar levels in diabetics.

WHO’s Finding

The WHO looked at 283 studies on how much NSS individuals and kids consume.

A higher consumption of NSS was linked to a 76% rise in the risk of obesity and an increase in BMI of 0.14 kg/m2.

No evidence of long-term benefits on reducing body fat was found, and long-term use of NSS may increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and cancer.

WHO suggests that NSS should not be used for weight control or reducing the risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Concerns and Recommendations

India has a high obesity rate and a significant number of people with pre-diabetes.

Lifestyle-related Type 2 diabetes is increasing among young individuals.

WHO recommends focusing on a balanced diet and minimally processed, unsweetened foods and beverages.

What lies ahead?

WHO’s conditional guideline requires further discussions among policymakers before adoption as national policy.

Efforts should be made to educate youngsters about taste preferences and healthy eating habits.

Doctors can now provide more confident guidance to patients regarding NSS consumption.