The institution will breed and house quality lab animals for basic and applied biomedical research in the country
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Department of Health Research’s proposal to set up a National Resource Facility for Bio-medical Research (NARF) at Genome Valley in Hyderabad by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR). The estimated project cost is Rs 338.58 crores and the resource centre is expected to be functional by 2018-19.
The institution will be the first of its kind for quality laboratory animals for basic and applied biomedical research in the country.
Reportedly, it will be developed as a world-class facility for breeding and housing of animals such as primates, cabines and other specialised models such as transgenic and knockout rodents required for testing of various R&D products. The facility will create, develop and provide access to a range of laboratory animals and related technological resources for advancement of biomedical research in the country, mainly to facilitate research in medical colleges, research and academic institutions, universities and biotech/bio-pharma companies.
The facility will also provide training facilities for personnel in specialised areas of biomedical research.
The State Government has allotted 102.69 acres of land at Genome Valley, Hyderabad, free of cost, to the ICMR for establishment of NARF.