Company Watch

Parsi communities participates in the Avestagenome project

Our News Bureau - Mumbai

Avesthagen has 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.

This project is a scientific endeavour 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's 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 has lent full support and assistance under the able guidance of President Darayas Master. The trustees, secretary, committee members and staff provided tremendous assistance and encouragement towards the success of this project.

The Avesthagen team from Bangalore comprising doctors, scientists and bioinformaticians has set up a centre for the collection and processing of the blood samples from the donors. They were assisted by volunteers from the Parsi community in Surat who mobilised 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. Following Hyderabad, the Avesthagen team was in Navsari, from January 6 to 13, 2008. The response from the Parsi population of Navsari was most encouraging, and 686 samples were collected.

The Parsi youth of Navsari, under the able leadership of Freddy Minoo Kassad, with immense enthusiasm, resourcefulness and energy, facilitated the entire sample collection drive to its successful completion. Navsari Parsis have by and large held on to the exclusivity of their customs, traditions and religious rites. Senior citizens of the community, overcoming their physical difficulties came along with great pride to demonstrate their solidarity with the study. According to the octogenarian Mehru, wife of Ervad Ruttonji Seervai, and granddaughter of the famed Parsi scholar Sir Jeevanji Mody, "Every Parsi must come forward and be a part of this scientific study, which is the first of its kind that I have known of, because this will open up new avenues of knowledge and help not only in the alleviation of the medical problems that rack the community members, but of the human race as well."