$10 million Chinese biotechnology laboratory inaugurated in Uruguay

Photo: Ministry of Health of Uruguay.

The Chinese company BGI Genomics, a global leader in precision medicine, inaugurated a new thousand-square-meter laboratory in Uruguay. With an investment of US $10 million over five years, the lab aims to serve as a regional center promoting early and accurate diagnoses for a wide range of diseases.

The lab, located in the Parque de las Ciencias in the capital of Montevideo, marks a milestone in collaboration between Uruguay and China in the field of biotechnology.

The BGI Genomics laboratory in Uruguay will focus on developing tests in key areas such as oncology and reproductive health. With products like COLOTECT for early detection of colorectal cancer and the NIFTY test for prenatal screening using a blood sample, BGI Genomics aims to provide effective tools for disease detection and treatment.

One of BGI Genomics’ main objectives is to democratize access to preventive medicine in Latin America. To achieve this, the laboratory will employ trained Uruguayan technicians in biochemistry and biotechnology, as well as company representatives providing training in high-precision technologies directly from China. The next-generation sequencing technology used by BGI Genomics revolutionizes genomics and molecular biology, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses at an affordable cost.

BGI Genomics’ investment in Uruguay is also set to boost the local economy. The lab is expected to generate around US $45 million in revenue over the next few years, as well as create direct and indirect jobs in the region.

National authorities such as Uruguay ‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs Omar Paganini and representatives from BGI Group, including Dr. Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Genomics, gathered to celebrate this inauguration. Key figures from the Uruguayan government, such as Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining Elisa Facio, and Minister of Public Health Karina Rando, were also in attendance.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including the Huo-Yan Air Laboratory with seven cabins designed to prevent contamination between samples and ensure diagnostic accuracy, the facility also features a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, among other unique features to guarantee result integrity.

The opening of the BGI Genomics laboratory in Uruguay is designed to be a step forward in advancing preventive medicine in Latin America. This initiative could not only benefit the local population by providing access to accurate and early diagnoses but also strengthen Uruguay’s position as a regional biotechnology hub and promote international collaboration in the pursuit of innovative health solutions.

Main source:

BGI Genomics instala laboratorio en Uruguay con inversión de US$ 10 millones en cinco años | Diario Horizonte (April 22, 2024)

Other related source:

Inauguran en Uruguay planta biotecnológica china | Prensa Latina (April 20, 2024)