Dear Parsi Community,
We are delighted to share that the article titled “9 of the Most Genetically Isolated Human Populations in the World,” recently published by LiveScience, which features the latest scientific news and research, highlights groundbreaking work that is deeply connected to our Zoroastrian heritage (https://www.livescience.com/health/9-of-the-most-genetically-isolated-human-populations-in-the-world). This article highlights the unique genetic traits of the Parsi community, particularly their longevity, with gene variants linked to living well into their 90s. It also notes that our 2021 study published in a reputed scientific journal Meta Gene suggests that the Parsi practice of endogamy—marrying within their community—may play a significant role in these traits (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214540021000335). This recognition underscores the importance of The Avestagenome Project® (https://theavestagenomeproject.com), a pioneering initiative founded by Dr. Villoo 
Morawala Patell, is the flagship project of The Avestagenome Project International Pvt. Ltd. and the Avesthagen Limited, headquartered in Bengaluru, India. The Avesthagen Limited is a global life sciences company using a systems-biology approach to converge food, pharma and population genetics. It focuses on Nutrigenomics, Agriculture and Precision Medicine through its proprietary Predictive, Preventive and Personalized (PPP) healthcare platform, aiming to address unmet needs in disease treatment, nutrition, energy and environmental challenges.
As the world’s first comprehensive genomic study of the Parsi-Zoroastrian population, The Avestagenome Project® aims to safeguard our genetic legacy and provide vital insights into community health challenges, including cancers, rare genetic disorders and the secrets of longevity. The Avestagenome Project® takes a holistic approach by integrating genomic, environmental and nutritional data to revolutionize precision medicine. This ambitious undertaking has the potential to significantly contribute to global health,
offering breakthroughs that benefit not only the Parsi community but also humanity at large. It stands as a testament to the Parsi community’s ongoing contribution to science and knowledge, embodying the Zoroastrian ethos of promoting good for all. To further illuminate the importance of this endeavour, we created an engaging video that explores the project’s goals and potential impact. We encourage you to watch the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErZzgygvPXQ), share it widely and help raise awareness about this transformative work.
AGENOME LLC (https://agenome.ai), a precision medicine company headquartered in the USA (Houston, Boston, Bay Area) with a presence also in the UK has also been established to have access and build global partnership for The Avestagenome Project®. This international arm plays a pivotal role in advancing the scientific and technological aspects of the initiative. AGENOME LLC supports the global mission of The Avestagenome Project® by fostering collaborations, securing funding and driving research to decode the genetic heritage of the Parsi-Zoroastrian community. Its presence in the USA and UK ensures that the project benefits from cutting-edge expertise and resources, contributing to its vision of preserving genetic legacy and promoting global health innovation.
We are also excited to announce the start of the Mumbai office of The Avestagenome Project®, marking an important milestone in our efforts to connect with the Parsi community, facilitate blood collections, conduct genetic testing and raise awareness about this groundbreaking initiative. Approximately 4,700 out of the 10,000 samples required for the project have already been collected. We are now focused on gathering the remaining 5,300 samples from various locations in India (including Mumbai, Hyderabad and other cities) and the USA (including Houston, Boston, the Bay Area and other cities). To strengthen the Mumbai work, we are currently seeking to establish a permanent office and laboratory space in the city. A fixed facility will allow us to streamline research operations, enhance sample processing and testing and create a centralized hub for collaboration with the community and scientific partners. This will enable The Avestagenome Project® to advance its mission of preserving the Parsi-Zoroastrian legacy and contributing to global scientific discovery.
The Avestagenome Project® has made significant strides in fundraising through a diverse range of channels, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, strategic corporate partnerships and collaborative academic projects. By forging strong connections with global companies and leading institutions, the project has built a robust network of support that accelerates its mission to advance genetic research. Dr. Villoo Morawala Patell has played a pivotal role in this success, delivering impactful talks in key cities such as New York, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco. These presentations have not only highlighted the project’s significance but also attracted attention from potential partners and investors, reinforcing the project’s position as a leader in genomic research and innovation.
We invite the community to support this initiative by helping identify suitable spaces or contributing through funding and resources (https://theavestagenomeproject.com/contribute-now). Your involvement is crucial to ensuring the success of this transformative project. For more scientific details or to participate, please contact Dr. Kayzad Soli Nilgiriwala, Vice President, Research & Development and Business Development, at 9920519393 (Mumbai) or kayzadnilgiriwala@theavestagenomeproject.com, who presently leads The Avestagenome Project® has a focused vision and dedication to ensuring the active involvement of the community in preserving its genetic legacy. For social queries, you may contact Ms. Perviz Bhot at 9199716541 (Hyderabad) or perviz.bhote@theavestagenomeproject.com. Together, we can secure the future of this vital research and preserve our shared heritage for generations to come.
With warm regards,
Dr. Kayzad Soli Nilgiriwala
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