Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 19: In a major leap for Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s genomic medicine capabilities, the government on Wednesday launched the country’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, a condition that disproportionately affects tribal communities.
The therapy, named “BIRSA 101” in honour of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, was unveiled by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Describing the innovation as a form of “precise genetic surgery,” Dr. Singh said the platform has the potential not only to cure Sickle Cell Disease but also to revolutionise treatment for a range of inherited disorders.
Sickle Cell Disease is a severe genetic blood disorder marked by chronic anaemia, recurring painful crises, organ damage, and significantly reduced life expectancy. It impacts patients throughout their lives, often leading to debilitating complications.
“India has formally embarked on its journey to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease, marking a transformative moment in public health and genomic medicine,” Dr. Singh said. He added that the development and transfer of the nation’s first CRISPR-based therapy represents a critical milestone in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Sickle Cell–Free India by 2047.
The breakthrough treatment was developed by the CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), showcasing India’s ability to create cutting-edge therapies at a fraction of global prices, potentially replacing foreign treatments that cost Rs 20–25 crore.
To scale the technology, IGIB has signed a formal agreement with the Serum Institute of India, which will advance the engineered enFnCas9 CRISPR platform into affordable therapies for Sickle Cell Disease and other major genetic conditions.
Dr. Umesh Shaligram, executive director of the Serum Institute, noted, “Most gene therapies worldwide cost over three million dollars and remain inaccessible even to the wealthy. Our mission is to ensure Indian innovations reach the poorest of the poor.”