AVESTAGENOME Project Successfully Initiated with Help of Parsi communities

Avesthagen Limited has successfully initiated the first phase of The AVESTAGENOME Project, undertaking blood sample collection of the Parsi population in Hyderabad , Navsari and Surat . This large-scale genomic project aims to study the basis of longevity that is noticed in the Parsi-Zoroastrian population, and also to create a medical database of the community.  The AVESTAGENOME Project is the brainchild of Dr. Villoo Morawala - Patell, Founder Chairperson and Managing Director of the Bangalore-based Avesthagen Limited. This project is a scientific endeavor that is designed to benefit the entire human race. The results of the research will identify the genetic basis of longevity and for various diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson etc. The study will also enable the development of new therapies and drug targets.

After completing the blood sample collection from Parsi donors at Hyderabad and at Navsari, the Avesthagen team has started the project at Surat from the 10th February at the Parsi General Hospital. The Surat Parsi Panchayat is lending full support and assistance under the able guidance of its President Mr.Darayas Master. The Trustees, Secretary, Committee members and staff are providing tremendous assistance and encouragement towards the success of this project. The Avesthagen team from Bangalore comprising Doctors, Scientists and Bioinformaticians has set up a center for the collection and processing of the blood samples from the donors. They are being assisted by volunteers from the Parsi community in Surat who are mobilizing members of the community for this worthy cause. The response from the community has been very positive as is evident by the large turnout of donors to date.