A molecular genetics laboratory, which will study the predisposing causes that residents of the Russian north have to various diseases, will be created at Northern State Medical University (NSMU) in Arkhangelsk.

"Governor of the Arkhangelsk Region Alexander Tsybulsky discussed the prospects of creating a molecular genetics laboratory in the capital of Pomorye with Rector of Northern State Medical University Lyubov Gorbatova. <...> The plan is to base the research division at the specialized university <...> Following the meeting, the head of the region instructed the Arkhangelsk Region’s Ministry of Healthcare together with NSMU to develop a comprehensive project to create a molecular genetics laboratory," reported the press service of the governor and the government of the Arkhangelsk Region.

It is expected that the laboratory will examine patients with a cancer diagnosis, conduct a wide range of tests, diagnose hereditary diseases, study the causes of infertility, and research the predisposition of residents of the North to diseases such as hypertension, ischemic stroke, thrombophilia, obesity and osteoporosis.

Governor Alexander Tsybulsky noted that the laboratory would allow doctors not only to treat patients more efficiently, but also to carry out disease prevention.

The laboratory premises have already been selected, and now estimate documentation for repairs is being completed. There are plans to carry out the repair work by the end of 2021 and to fit out the laboratory in early 2022.

According to Tsybulsky, the opening of the laboratory will be part of the work of the research and education center The Russian Arctic: New Materials, Technologies and Research Methods, which is supported by the government of the Russian Federation.