Metropolis Healthcare has announced the launch of a new genomics center designed to enhance precision diagnostics and advance genomic research capabilities in India. This strategic initiative represents a significant step forward in the company's commitment to providing cutting-edge diagnostic services and contributing to the advancement of precision medicine in the country.

Advanced Technology Integration

The newly established genomics center is equipped with Illumina's NovaSeq™ X Series technology, a state-of-the-art genomic sequencing platform. This advanced technology is expected to significantly improve the quality and scope of genomic research while providing enhanced diagnostic capabilities for precision medicine applications.

Strategic Impact on Healthcare Services

The introduction of this genomics center positions Metropolis Healthcare to offer more sophisticated diagnostic services to healthcare providers and patients across India. The facility is designed to support both clinical diagnostics and research applications, potentially expanding the company's service portfolio in the rapidly growing field of genomics and precision medicine.

Research and Development Capabilities

The genomics center is expected to enhance the company's research capabilities, enabling more comprehensive genomic studies and contributing to the broader scientific understanding of genetic factors in health and disease. This development aligns with the growing emphasis on personalized medicine and targeted therapeutic approaches in modern healthcare.

The establishment of this advanced genomics center demonstrates Metropolis Healthcare's commitment to staying at the forefront of diagnostic technology and providing healthcare professionals with access to cutting-edge genomic insights for improved patient care and treatment outcomes.

Metropolis Healthcare Limited announced the launch of its Centre of Genomics on January 13, 2026, representing a major advancement in the company's precision diagnostics and genomic research capabilities. The initiative aims to scale the company's long-standing expertise in advanced genomics, molecular diagnostics, and precision medicine while broadening access to genomic insights across India's healthcare landscape.

Technology Infrastructure and Capabilities

The Centre of Genomics is built on a robust technological foundation featuring Illumina's NovaSeq™ X Series for research purposes. This cutting-edge sequencing platform incorporates Illumina's advanced XLEAP-SBS™ chemistry, delivering exceptional throughput, accuracy, and sustainability. The NovaSeq™ X Plus system demonstrates remarkable capacity, capable of generating more than 20,000 whole genomes annually—representing more than double the throughput of Illumina's previous sequencing systems.

Beyond the newly deployed NovaSeq™ X Series, the Centre operates with existing multi-platform NGS infrastructure across Metropolis' key genomics hubs. The facility brings together multidisciplinary teams including molecular pathologists, genomic scientists, researchers, bioinformaticians, and certified genetic counsellors to translate complex genomic data into clinically meaningful insights.

Laboratory Network and Accreditation

The Centre of Genomics operates through two CAP-accredited genomics laboratories strategically located in Delhi NCR and Mumbai. This integrated model combines the capabilities of Metropolis' Global Reference Laboratory in Mumbai with the specialized genomics laboratory acquired through the Core Diagnostics integration in the Delhi NCR region. The unified operation serves as national referral laboratories for genomics, providing comprehensive NGS-based assays, robust bioinformatics capabilities, and deep scientific expertise.

Clinical Focus Areas and Applications

The Centre of Genomics addresses multiple high-impact clinical specialties, delivering actionable genomic insights across the care continuum. The facility focuses on five key areas:

• Oncology: Precision cancer diagnostics and treatment guidance
• Reproductive Health: Genetic screening and fertility-related testing
• Neurology: Neurological disorder diagnosis and management
• Transplant Immunology: Compatibility testing and monitoring
• Rare Diseases: Diagnosis of genetic and inherited conditions

The Centre currently offers over 220 validated genomic tests with a clear expansion roadmap targeting more than 500 assays over the next two to three years. This growth strategy positions the facility among leading global genomic laboratories in terms of breadth, quality, and clinical integration while maintaining alignment with India-specific disease patterns and care pathways.

Leadership Perspectives and Strategic Vision

Ameera Shah, Promoter and Executive Chairperson of Metropolis Healthcare Limited, emphasized the transformative potential of genomics in Indian diagnostics. She highlighted how the Centre of Genomics combines orthogonal, cross-platform technologies with advanced data analytics and AI-driven trend correlations, supported by clinical stewardship from subject-matter experts and a multi-specialty Medical Advisory Board.

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, outlined the Centre's focus on translating advanced genomic science into actionable clinical decision-making. The facility's differentiation lies in rigorous validation, multi-platform testing, and deep clinical integration to ensure reliable and clinically meaningful results.

Suchita Dayanand, Country Head – India (Commercial) at Illumina, expressed pride in supporting Metropolis Healthcare's research and innovation initiatives through the NovaSeq™ X Series deployment, emphasizing Illumina's mission to make advanced sequencing technologies more accessible across India.

Future Development and Global Positioning

The Centre of Genomics serves as a platform for continuous test development, AI-enabled analytics, and enhanced digital integration. These capabilities strengthen reporting quality, operational efficiency, and clinical impact while supporting Metropolis' B2B operations across multiple countries. The facility actively engages in pharmaceutical programs and clinical trials, positioning itself as a strategic partner for global research, companion diagnostics, and precision-led drug development initiatives.