India has taken a major step toward eliminating sickle cell disease, particularly in tribal regions where it is most widespread, by launching its first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy. The innovation was developed by the CSIR–Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB).
Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited disorder in which red blood cells become misshapen, leading to severe pain episodes, chronic anaemia, and long-term organ damage. The newly introduced CRISPR technology allows precise editing of the defective gene responsible for the disease. In this approach, doctors collect the patient’s blood, isolate stem cells carrying the mutation, correct the error through gene editing, and then reinfuse the modified cells. Once reintroduced, these corrected cells begin producing healthy blood, addressing the disease at its origin.
As part of the launch, a technology transfer and collaboration agreement was signed between CSIR-IGIB and the Serum Institute of India to scale the enFnCas9 CRISPR platform into affordable therapies for sickle cell disease and other genetic conditions.
The indigenous therapy, named BIRSA 101 in honour of tribal icon Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary, reflects India’s commitment to developing accessible, cutting-edge genetic treatments. Leaders highlighted that this breakthrough showcases India’s ability to deliver transformative medical innovations at significantly lower costs compared to global therapies that can cost up to ₹20–25 crore.
This advancement also marks an important milestone for tribal communities in central and eastern India, where the disease burden is highest. The gene-editing method has been described as functioning like an extremely precise form of genetic surgery—capable of not only addressing sickle cell disease but also opening pathways for treating several other inherited disorders.
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