In the backdrop of the emergence of a newly identified variant of the novel SARS-CoV-2 Virus in the UK, South Africa, and some other parts of the world, the Government has taken action to accelerate Virus Surveillance, Genome Sequencing, and Characterization.

A new variant, which was found in the UK, especially in the London region, is defined by multiple mutations in the Spike region, as well as mutations in other genomic regions. These mutations are rapidly increasing the number of variants of the virus. This variant is significantly more transmissible than previously circulating variants, with an estimated potential to increase the reproductive number with estimated increased transmissibility of up to 70%. 

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG) has been launched. Coordinated by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with MoH&FW, ICMR, and CSIR, the strategy, and roadmap of the National SARS CoV2 Genome Sequencing Consortium (INSACOG) have been prepared. 

The overall aim of the proposed Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium is to monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis through a multi-laboratory network. This vital research consortium will also assist in developing potential vaccines in the future. The consortium will ascertain the status of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01) in the country, establish sentinel surveillance for early detection of genomic variants with public health implication, and determine the genomic variants in the unusual events/trends (super-spreader events, high mortality/morbidity trend areas, etc.).

INSACOG is a consortium of 10 labs namely DBT-NIBMG Kalyani, DBT-ILS Bhubaneswar, ICMR-NIV Pune, DBT-NCCS Pune, CSIR-CCMB Hyderabad, DBT-CDFD Hyderabad, DBT-InSTEM/ NCBS Bengaluru, NIMHANS Bengaluru, CSIR-IGIB Delhi, and NCDC Delhi. 

Dr. Renu Swarup, Secretary DBT informed that INSACOG will have a high-level Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee which will provide guidance and oversight to the consortium especially for policy matters and it will have a Scientific Advisory Group for scientific and technical guidance. 

DBT-NIBMG as the Co-ordinating Unit of Genome Sequencing Consortium and will closely work with a Nodal Unit of NCDCon activities like SOPs, data annotation, data analysis, data release, etc.NCDC will maintain a database of all samples of the new variants of public health significance. The data will be epidemiologically analyzed, interpreted, and shared with the state/district for investigation, contact tracing, and planning response strategies.

All the genomic sequencing data will be maintained in a National database at two sites, DBT-NIBMG, Kalyani, and CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi. The virus isolated will be deposited in the notified SARS-CoV-2 virus repository etc RCB, Faridabad and NIV, Pune.

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) will monitor the genomic variations on a regular basis through the multi-laboratory network. Knowledge generated through this vital research consortium will also assist in developing diagnostics and potential therapeutics and vaccines in the future.