In a nation as densely populated as India, securing personalized healthcare for its vast
populace demands unparalleled attention. Despite strides in establishing specialty hospitals
and diagnostic services, a mere 5% of the population has access to advanced diagnostic
tests, according to Statista. This stark reality underscores a critical gap in healthcare
accessibility.
Prof. Mridula Sharma, a retired college principal, faced a life-threatening arrhythmia
unresponsive to conventional treatments. After exhaustive trials with standard medications,
her cardiologist proposed a groundbreaking solution: genomic testing. Utilizing the cutting-
edge services of Yoda Diagnostics in Hyderabad, her doctor ordered a PGx –
Cardiovascular panel sequencing tailored for cardiomyopathy, a heart disease influenced by
genetic factors. The results pinpointed a mutation in the MYH7 gene, known to cause
hereditary heart disease. Armed with this genetic insight, her doctor prescribed a targeted
therapy, which has since stabilized her condition, significantly enhancing her quality of life.
Imagine if Prof. Sharma had no access to advanced diagnostic healthcare. In countries like
the United States, the populace is well-versed in genomics and its pivotal role in
personalized treatment. Dr. Sharma’s narrative exemplifies the transformative power of
personalized medicine driven by genomics—an approach that has revolutionized healthcare
in the United States but remains largely inaccessible to most Indian patients. This is
precisely why Yoda Diagnostics was founded with a vision—to democratize high-quality
healthcare across every corner of India.
Let us delve deeper into how Yoda Diagnostics is making its indelible mark across India and
the motivations behind its establishment in this diverse nation.
The State of Genomics in India
In 2003, the sequencing of the first human genome was hailed as a monumental
achievement in medical science. Today, genome sequencing can be accomplished within a
day at a fraction of the original cost. However, in India, the widespread adoption of precision
medicine is hindered by factors such as cost, infrastructure, and regulatory constraints.
“Precision medicine is not a futuristic ideal; it’s a present-day necessity,” asserts Dr. Shaik
Mohammed Naushad, Chief Scientific Officer at Yoda Diagnostics, a pioneer in genomic
services. The company provides an extensive array of testing panels, ranging from oncology
to cardiovascular and rare disease diagnostics, tailored to the genetic profiles and health
needs of Indian patients. Nevertheless, the limited insurance coverage for genomic tests
means that many patients must bear the costs out of pocket, rendering these advanced
diagnostics financially out of reach for many.
Why Genomic Testing Matters and Yoda’s Commitment to It
Yoda Diagnostics is at the forefront of transforming India’s genetic testing landscape.
Despite the global genetic testing market reaching over $17 billion (about $52 per person in
the US), India’s share remains modest at around $60 million. Yoda Diagnostics is dedicated
to bridging this gap by providing world-class genomic solutions that are both accessible and
affordable. Yoda Diagnostics is dedicated to delivering precise, accurate, accessible, and
affordable genomic solutions to empower individuals in managing their health. As an industry
leader, we provide global-quality genetic testing solutions backed by advanced technology,
superior service, and innovation.
Establishing a state-of-the-art genomic laboratory in Hyderabad posed both logistical and
cultural challenges. Sudhakar Kancharla, the visionary founder of Yoda Diagnostics,
identified a critical gap in India’s healthcare system—access to reliable, high-precision
genomic testing—after his extensive experience in the United States. Inspired by American
facilities that seamlessly integrate robust patient data analysis with cutting-edge genome
sequencing, he endeavored to replicate this advanced model in India.
“For India, what we need is more than technology; it’s accessibility and affordability,” says
Sudhakar Kancharla, who previously established diagnostic labs and IT companies in the
US before founding Yoda Diagnostics in India. His vision extends beyond providing
diagnostics; it encompasses raising awareness and advocating for genomic health as a
standard component of patient care.
With a strong emphasis on scientific innovation and research, Yoda Diagnostics leads the
market with a variety of cutting-edge genetic tests, including oncology panels, cardiovascular
diagnostics, and rare disease panels. Yoda Diagnostics collaborates closely with clinicians
to understand their challenges and expectations, ensuring effective patient treatment and
positive outcomes. We adhere to global accreditation and quality benchmarks, including
NABL and ICMR, and are committed to delivering high-quality genetic testing solutions that
are both affordable and accessible. Our proprietary tools follow ACMG guidelines, providing
germline and somatic genetic analysis with exceptional precision.
Founder’s Vision: A Personal Journey in Precision Medicine
Sudhakar Kancharla’s journey is indeed compelling. Born and raised in India, he pursued
molecular biology studies in the United States, where he held pivotal roles at some of the
nation’s most esteemed healthcare institutions. His work centered on molecular genetics and
the application of genomics to enhance patient outcomes, particularly in oncology and rare
diseases. Witnessing the transformative power of personalized medicine firsthand, he was
inspired to bring this expertise back to India.
“We saw the power of genomics in transforming patient care and wanted to make that
available to the average Indian patient,” Mr. Kancharla remarked. Today, Yoda Diagnostics
embodies this commitment through initiatives that educate healthcare providers about
genomics, collaborate with local hospitals, and establish awareness programs, ensuring that
the benefits of advanced genomic science are accessible to all.
Building India’s Genomic Database
For genomics to be truly effective in India, the establishment of a comprehensive genetic
database is imperative. Precision medicine hinges on the identification of genetic variations
across diverse populations. However, most global genomic databases are predominantly
skewed towards Western populations, leaving a significant portion of India’s rich genetic
diversity unexplored.
Yoda Diagnostics has taken a proactive stance by partnering with local researchers to
construct a robust Indian genomic database. By contributing data from a myriad of cases
and conditions, they aim to create a foundational resource that can significantly enhance
patient care, particularly for conditions prevalent in South Asian communities. This initiative
is part of a broader movement within India to compile and share genetic data, ultimately
benefiting both research and healthcare sectors.
The Road Ahead
The journey to mainstreaming precision medicine in India is fraught with challenges.
Regulatory frameworks, data privacy concerns, and affordability issues are significant
barriers. However, the push for a national digital health ecosystem and genomic initiatives
spearheaded by Yoda Diagnostics heralds a promising future. The founders are optimistic
that with sustained investment and support, genomic sequencing could become as routine in
India as an MRI or blood test.
By merging international expertise with a profound commitment to Indian healthcare, Yoda
Diagnostics is charting a course towards a genomics-driven future. This vision aims to make
personalized medicine both accessible and affordable for all Indians. The potential is
immense, and as awareness of the benefits of understanding one’s unique genetic code
grows, India’s genomic revolution may indeed be on the horizon.
