
HYDERABAD: AI-driven genomics and personalised health player Mapmygenome has acquired Canadian microbial sequencing player Microbiome Insights.The acquisition includes the CAP-accredited (College of American Pathologists) Canadian laboratory of Microbiome Insights as well as its intellectual property.Though the Hyderabad-based Mapmygenome did not divulge the size of acquisition, its founder & CEO Anu Acharya confirmed that it had acquired 100% stake in the 10-year-old Canadian company.She said the acquisition would boost Mapmygenome’s scientific prowess and enable its global expansion.Microbiome Insights, which has supported over 600 global clients with more than 1,000 cutting-edge microbiome studies, is a leading partner for academic, clinical, and industry researchers. It was founded by renowned global experts such as Dr Brett Finlay, Dr William Mohn, and Malcolm Kendall.While post-acquisition Microbiome Insights will maintain its role as a premier CRO (clinical research organisation), Mapmygenome said it will roll out its integrated genomics and microbiome testing services to North America to make holistic, data-driven health solutions more accessible.“The human microbiome is pivotal to health, and this acquisition positions us as a leader in this area. We gain exceptional expertise in metagenomics, transcriptomics, and targeted metabolomics to serve academic, biotech, and clinical sectors,” said Acharya.She said the buy will accelerate the company’s North American footprint, aligning with Mapmygenome’s strategic vision of growth through targeted acquisitions as it works towards its listing on the Indian bourses later this year.Microbiome Insights CEO Malcolm Kendall said the deal would provide the company the resources and capabilities to offer higher quality services to clients and accelerate growth.Microbiome Insights offers end-to-end microbiome sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis for sectors such as pharma, biotech, nutrition, cosmetics, agriculture as well as government institutions and has enabled over 1,000 studies. These range from basic research to clinical trials, and biomarker discovery to machine-learning based modelling.