Innovation lab for genetic engineering

The Genomics Institute of Asia is focused on longevity and human enhancements.

DNA Holdings Corporation recently announced that its chairman, Tom Navasero, will take the helm of the Genomics Institute of Asia (GINA) in June 2020 and launch the Human Genetic Engineering Innovation Laboratory to explore how machine learning through genetic editing can improve human longevity.

Navasero founded the non-profit genetics research institute in 2012 in partnership with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). IRRI has been known for using genomics and the best technologies to fast-track breeding progress and improve rice products and byproducts. GINA on the other hand, pioneered the next-generation sequencing (NGS) whole genome sequencing (WGS) and breast cancer gene or BRCA1/2 services in Asia under Navasero’s leadership.

GINA’s Human Genetic Engineering Innovation Laboratory will utilize the CRISPR/CAS editing technology or genome editing developed by Dr. Jennifer Doudna, Professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. CRISPR/CAS has been used by researchers to modify genes for its potential application for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

According to Navasero, GINA will focus on human longevity and human enhancements. He commented: “Genetic editing is here and now. It has given mankind the tools to change the code of life.

Let us embrace this most important revolutionary technology. But we must ensure regulatory action is taken to protect people while still encouraging its development to save lives. “

Navasero is an engineering graduate from Cornell University. After founding GINA in 2012 in partnership with IRRI, he acquired PSE-listed company Alterra Capital in 2016 and renamed it to DNA Holdings Corporation to invest in providing affordable accurate and accessible healthcare to all Filipinos under the country’s universal healthcare.

He recently resigned as president and CEO of DNA and handed over the reins to Robert van Zwieten. Navasero has previously announced that he will be stepping down as Chairman of the PSE-listed company by June 2020.