Genome Center eyes increased capability for genome sequencing

The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) is looking to increase the country’s capability for whole genome sequencing, its chief said Monday amid the detection of new coronavirus variants.

PGC Executive Director Dr. Cynthia Saloma said the Philippines is currently capable of sequencing 750 samples weekly, which is less than 1% of its confirmed COVID-19 cases.

“That’s why, for this effort, it’s really very important that we do a very good sampling design so that we can have a better picture of the cases that we see in our communities,” she said in an interview on CNN Philippines.

“There are also moves—we will share with you as soon as they become concrete—to increase the capability of the country for whole genome sequencing not only here in Manila but in other areas of the Philippines,” she added.

Saloma said the country can double its genome sequencing capacity and improve its turnaround time if more areas are equipped to sequence samples.

She also said the PGC’s “main problem" is automating the extraction of RNA.

“If the automation for extraction can be done, it will really improve our sequencing capability because we have the machines. To a certain extent, we also have the people as well as the bioinformatics team behind us,” Saloma said.

The Philippines has so far detected 1,085 Alpha variant cases, 1,267 Beta cases, two Gamma cases, and 17 cases of the Delta variant first identified in India. 

Saloma said the PGC has already received a fresh supply of reagents, which will be enough to last the year.

The country has tallied 1,397,992 COVID-19 cases with 1,321,050 recoveries and 52,570 as of Sunday afternoon. — RSJ, GMA News