Advancing Biotechnology in Pakistan with Custom DNA and RNA Oligos

As biotechnology and life sciences continue to evolve globally, Pakistan is increasingly adopting cutting-edge molecular biology tools to fuel innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and research. Among these tools, custom DNA and RNA oligonucleotides (oligos) play a central role. With the rise of genetic research, personalized medicine, and biotechnology startups in the country, the demand for reliable, high-quality custom oligo synthesis services has never been higher.

What Are Custom DNA/RNA Oligos?

DNA and RNA oligos are short sequences of nucleotides that can be synthetically manufactured to match specific genetic targets. These oligos are widely used in research applications such as PCR, qPCR, gene editing (e.g., CRISPR), molecular diagnostics, and therapeutic development.

Custom oligos refer to sequences that are tailor-made according to a researcher’s requirements designed, synthesized, purified, and delivered for specific experiments or diagnostic purposes.

In Pakistan, many academic institutions, biotech companies, and diagnostic labs rely on both local and international suppliers to obtain high-quality oligos.

Applications in Pakistan's Research and Clinical Sectors

1. Molecular Diagnostics

With an increasing focus on infectious disease control, including tuberculosis, hepatitis, and COVID-19, Pakistani laboratories frequently use custom oligos for RT-PCR-based diagnostics. Custom primers and probes allow for the specific detection of pathogens, improving testing accuracy and speed.

2. Genetic Research and Academia

Universities and research institutions across Pakistan such as the National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) and COMSATS regularly conduct genetic research that requires oligos for cloning, sequencing, and mutagenesis studies.

3. Agricultural Biotechnology

Custom DNA oligos are also used in crop genetic engineering to develop disease-resistant and high-yield varieties. Pakistan’s agricultural universities and R&D departments are increasingly turning to synthetic biology to improve food security.

4. Gene Editing and CRISPR

Research into gene therapy and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is growing in Pakistan. Custom RNA oligos are essential in this space, especially for creating guide RNAs for targeted gene modification.

Custom Oligo Services Available in Pakistan

Researchers in Pakistan have several options for sourcing custom oligos:

1. Local Suppliers and Distributors

Some Pakistani companies and labs provide in-house synthesis or act as distributors for international oligo manufacturers. These include:

• Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar

• NIBGE (National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering), Faisalabad

• Integrated Genomics Solutions (IGS), Karachi

• Pak Oligos and Biotech, Lahore (local startup offering DNA primer synthesis)

These local services are particularly useful for rapid delivery, cost-effectiveness, and local support.

2. International Suppliers Serving Pakistan

Well-known global biotech companies such as IDT (Integrated DNA Technologies), Eurofins Genomics, Sigma-Aldrich, and Thermo Fisher Scientific offer custom oligo synthesis and shipping to Pakistan. Many researchers order online and receive shipments within 5–10 working days via local distributors.

Features and Customization Options

When ordering custom oligos in Pakistan, researchers can choose from a range of options:

• Sequence Length: Typically 10–200 bases

• Purification Methods: Desalted, HPLC, or PAGE

• Chemical Modifications: Biotin, fluorescent dyes (FAM, HEX), LNA bases, etc.

• Quality Assurance: Mass spec analysis, UV purity, and concentration data

• Delivery Format: Lyophilized (dry) or in solution

Most vendors also provide online tools for primer design, Tm calculation, and secondary structure prediction to support researchers in Pakistan.

Challenges in the Local Market

Despite the growing interest, there are challenges:

• Shipping Delays: Customs clearance and courier issues can delay delivery from international providers.

• Cost Barriers: Importing high-quality oligos can be expensive, especially for academic labs with limited budgets.

• Lack of Local Synthesis Facilities: While a few startups exist, large-scale oligo synthesis and rapid turnaround are still largely dependent on foreign suppliers.

Future Outlook

With Pakistan’s biotechnology sector growing steadily, there is significant potential for local capacity building in DNA/RNA synthesis. Government initiatives to support biotech incubators and university-led R&D could help establish state-of-the-art oligo synthesis labs within the country.

Additionally, collaborations with international firms could lead to technology transfer, reducing dependence on imports and enabling faster, more affordable access to these essential research tools.

Conclusion

Custom DNA/RNA oligos are foundational tools in the life sciences, enabling critical advances in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics. In Pakistan, their use is expanding rapidly across academic, clinical, and industrial sectors. As local infrastructure improves and demand increases, Pakistan is well-positioned to become a regional hub for molecular biology innovation, with custom oligo services playing a key part in this transformation.