India's first animal stem cell biobank opens at NIAB, Hyderabad
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated India's first-of-its-kind Animal Stem Cell BioBank and Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, on 9 August 2025.
Summary
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, inaugurated India's first-of-its-kind Animal Stem Cell BioBank and Laboratory at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, on 9 August 2025. The facility, spread over 9,300 sq ft and built at a cost of ₹1.85 crore, will focus on regenerative medicine and cellular therapies for livestock, and will be expanded with support from the National Biopharma Mission of DBT–BIRAC. Five veterinary diagnostic technologies were also launched, including tests for mastitis, toxoplasmosis and Japanese Encephalitis, and the Minister laid the foundation stone of a hostel block and quarters costing ₹19.98 crore.
Key facts
- Inaugurated
- 9 Aug 2025 by Dr Jitendra Singh
- Institute
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad
- Facility
- Animal Stem Cell BioBank and Laboratory, 9,300 sq ft
- Cost
- ₹1.85 crore
- Focus
- Regenerative medicine and cell therapies for livestock
- Expansion support
- National Biopharma Mission (DBT–BIRAC)
- Also launched
- Five veterinary diagnostics incl. mastitis, toxoplasmosis, Japanese Encephalitis
Practice MCQs 2 questions
India's first-of-its-kind Animal Stem Cell BioBank, inaugurated on 9 August 2025, is located at which institute?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — NIAB, Hyderabad
The Animal Stem Cell BioBank and Laboratory was inaugurated at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad.
Consider the following statements about the Animal Stem Cell BioBank at NIAB: 1. It will focus on regenerative medicine and cellular therapies for livestock. 2. Its expansion will be supported by the National Biopharma Mission of DBT–BIRAC. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The biobank will focus on regenerative medicine and cellular therapies for livestock, and will be expanded with support from the National Biopharma Mission of DBT–BIRAC.