9 months ago
India's First CRISPR Gene Therapy Launched for Sickle Cell Disease
India has made its first gene therapy using CRISPR, a special tool that can fix broken parts in our DNA.
This therapy is for a blood disease called sickle cell disease, which is common in some parts of India.
It's like a precise surgery for our genes, and it's cheaper than other therapies abroad.
The government wants to use this to help more people and maybe even cure other diseases caused by broken genes.
India launched its first CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease on Tuesday
The treatment, BIRSA 101, was developed by the CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)
The therapy aims to make gene-editing therapeutics more affordable and accessible
Sickle cell disease is a major public health concern in central and eastern India, particularly among Adivasi communities
The government plans to eliminate the disease by 2047 and sees this therapy as a step towards that goal
- Who
- CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh
- What
- Launched India's first CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease
- Where
- CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in Delhi
- When
- Tuesday
- Why
- To make gene-editing therapeutics more affordable and accessible, and to help eliminate sickle cell disease by 2047
Supporters of the Therapy
Potential Critics
Affordability
Supporters of the Therapy
The indigenous platform can slash costs significantly, making the therapy more accessible.
Potential Critics
No specific cost estimate was provided, so it's unclear how affordable the therapy will be.
Key facts
- Disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Therapy Name
- BIRSA 101
- Development Institute
- CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)
- Launch Date
- Tuesday
- Estimated Cost Reduction
- Significant, but no specific estimate provided
Quotes
Dr. Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology
“India has formally begun its decisive journey towards becoming a Sickle Cell Disease–free nation, marking a historic turning point in the country's public health and genomic medicine landscape”
NDTV
“With the development and transfer of India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy, the nation has taken a major step toward fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Sickle Cell–Free India by 2047, while simultaneously advancing the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat in frontline medical technologies”
NDTV
Dr. Umesh Shaligram
Executive Director, Serum Institute of India
“Globally, gene therapies cost over three million dollars and are beyond the reach of even the wealthy. Our mission is to take Indian innovation and make it accessible for the poorest of the poor”
NDTV
