Metropolis Healthcare launches Centre of Genomics to expand genomic diagnostics capabilities

Metropolis Healthcare, led by Ameera Shah, announced the launch of its Centre of Genomics, aimed at scaling its capabilities in genomics, molecular diagnostics, precision medicine and genomic research. The Centre of Genomics is structured to provide clinically actionable genomic insights across multiple clinical specialties and stages of care.

Metropolis has developed capabilities in genomics over several years, with a focus on precision oncology through its Global Reference Laboratory in Mumbai. Following the integration of Core Diagnostics’ genomics laboratory in the Delhi NCR region, these capabilities have been brought together as CAP-accredited national referral laboratories for genomics, forming the operational base of the Centre of Genomics.

The Centre operates with a portfolio of next-generation sequencing-based assays, supported by bioinformatics, interpretation frameworks and clinical expertise. As part of its sequencing infrastructure, Metropolis has deployed Illumina’s NovaSeq X Series for research use. The NovaSeq X system uses Illumina’s XLEAP-SBS chemistry and enables the generation of more than 20,000 whole genomes per year, exceeding the throughput of previous Illumina sequencers.

In addition to the NovaSeq X Series, the Centre of Genomics is supported by a multi-platform NGS infrastructure already in use across Metropolis’ genomics hubs. The Centre brings together molecular pathologists, genomic scientists, researchers, bioinformaticians and certified genetic counsellors to translate genomic data into outputs for patient care.

Commenting on the launch, Ms Ameera Shah, Promoter and Executive Chairperson, Metropolis Healthcare, said, “Genomics marks a decisive inflection point for diagnostics in India, expanding the role of laboratories from disease detection to risk prediction, therapy personalisation, and long-term disease management. As genomics increasingly informs lifelong medical decisions, leadership in this space is defined not by adoption alone, but by rigorous validation, deep expertise, quality assurance, and clinical responsibility. Through the Centre of Genomics, we bring together orthogonal, cross-platform technologies with advanced data analytics and AI-driven trend correlations. Supported by strong clinical stewardship from subject-matter experts, a multi-specialty Medical Advisory Board, and dedicated clinical support teams, this approach enables us to build one of India’s most comprehensive and clinically integrated genomic diagnostic platforms.”

Dr Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare, said, “The Centre of Genomics has been designed to translate advanced genomic science into actionable clinical decision-making across high-impact disease areas, including oncology, reproductive health, neurology, transplant immunology, and rare diseases. Our differentiation lies in rigorous validation, multi-platform testing, and deep clinical integration, ensuring results are reliable and clinically meaningful. With over 220 validated genomic tests and a clear roadmap to expand beyond 500 assays over the next two to three years, the Centre of Genomics is benchmarked against leading global genomic laboratories in terms of breadth, quality, and clinical integration, while remaining closely aligned to India-specific disease patterns and care pathways.”

Suchita Dayanand, Country Head – India (Commercial), Illumina, said, “As Illumina expands its presence in India, our mission is to make advanced sequencing technologies more accessible across the country. The NovaSeq™ X Series demonstrates our leadership in next-generation sequencing, and we are proud to see Metropolis Healthcare leveraging our most sustainable high-throughput sequencer to drive transformative research and innovation.”

Beyond test offerings, the Centre of Genomics is positioned as a platform for ongoing test development, AI-enabled analytics and digital integration to support reporting processes, operations and clinical use. With business-to-business operations across multiple countries and engagement in pharmaceutical programmes and clinical trials, Metropolis plans to position the Centre of Genomics as a partner for research, companion diagnostics and precision-focused drug development.