AIIMS Guwahati hosts CME on DNA Day 2025, exploring genomics & immunology in health. Experts discuss CAR-T therapy, precision medicine & antivenom innovation
Guwahati May 24, 2025: The Department of Biochemistry at AIIMS Guwahati organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme titled “DNA to Immunity: Two Pillars of Health and Disease” on May 24, 2025.
The event was held to commemorate DNA Day, International Immunology Day and to celebrate the completion of four successful years of the Biochemistry Department.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. Ashok Puranik, Executive Director, AIIMS Guwahati, who in his keynote address emphasized the foundational role of DNA and the immune system in understanding and addressing health and disease.
He highlighted how genomics and immunology are at the forefront of medical research and clinical innovation, shaping the future of modern healthcare.
Prof. Roonmoni Deka, Dean (Research), spoke on the growing relevance of these fields in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. She expressed optimism that the insights shared during the CME would inspire actionable advancements in clinical practice.
The event began with a welcome address and an overview of the department’s journey by Prof. Subash Gupta, Head of the Department of Biochemistry.
The scientific sessions featured eminent experts including Prof. Rahul Purwar, Dr. Vinod Scaria, and Prof. Ashis Mukherjee, who delivered lectures on transformative topics such as India’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy (NexCAR19), personalized genomics for precision medicine, and innovations in snakebite antivenom development.
India’s milestone in CAR-T therapy—NexCAR19—was discussed as a significant leap in cancer immunotherapy, made possible through a collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT.
Dr. Vinod Scaria from CSIR-IGIB elaborated on the potential of affordable genetic testing and the discovery of novel disease-related gene variants.
Prof. Ashis Mukherjee called for the development of region-specific antivenoms, citing the limitations of current polyvalent antivenoms in neutralizing geographically distinct snake venoms.
The CME saw active participation from over 100 delegates, including faculty, residents, researchers, and students from various disciplines.
I You may also like: New gene therapy to target airway and lungs via nasal spray l
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to winners of a painting competition organized as part of the celebrations.
The CME underscored AIIMS Guwahati’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary knowledge and fostering innovation in medical education and research.(PIB)
