Bengaluru-based genomics company Strand Life Sciences is stepping up its focus on consumer-centric genomic tests, aiming to make early detection of medical conditions more accessible and affordable.
The company offers a range of genomic screening tests, including early detection for breast and ovarian cancers, multi-cancer detection, and non-invasive prenatal screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome. It also provides personalized insights on nutrition, fitness, and metabolism tailored to an individual’s genetic profile.
“We need to take genomics to a billion people. We are on that path,” said Ramesh Hariharan, CEO of Strand Life Sciences.
Acquired by Reliance Industries in 2021, Strand launched its Consumer Wellness Segment in 2023. Founded 25 years ago, the company has historically focused on genome sequencing, bioinformatics services, and research collaborations for global life sciences organizations. While this remains its main revenue source, growth is increasingly driven by consumer-focused tests.
“We started genomic tests for early cancer detection 10 years ago, but volumes only began rising in the last three years with the consumer segment,” Hariharan noted. The company currently conducts 40,000–50,000 tests annually.
Hariharan projects the oncology and fetal testing segments to grow 20–30% annually over the next 2–3 years, with oncology expanding faster. He said, “Reproductive health tests are more commoditized, but they will drive volume. In India, these tests remain expensive, so we’re not yet at scale. Once millions of people undergo these tests, the market will look very different. Today, profitability is stronger in the US, while growth is faster in India.”
Strand operates a network of roughly 2,500 clinics and hospitals across India, as well as partners in 10 countries across Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The company plans to expand beyond hospitals to directly engage consumers in the wellness space.
Its legacy business primarily serves the US market, helping companies developing genomic devices, services, or involved in drug discovery. “We have collaborated with major universities and pharma companies, completing more than 500 projects to improve drug discovery efficiency,” Hariharan said.
Strand has several industry firsts to its credit, including India’s first CAP-accredited genomic lab, large-scale genomic studies in cancer and rare diseases, and the country’s first methylation-based early cancer detection test. It has also launched AVADIS, a platform for omics data analytics, StrandNGS for sequencing analysis, and published India’s first large-scale genomic diagnostics study in neurology involving over 1,000 patients.
Looking ahead, Hariharan emphasizes the importance of data-driven evidence. “In the next 2–3 years, more evidence from these tests will build confidence in the products and strengthen our competitive position,” he said.
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