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Key Points

India has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in gene therapy, focusing on haemophilia treatment through innovative research. The biotechnology sector has experienced exponential growth, expanding from just 50 startups to over 10,000 in a decade. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the strategic importance of biotechnology in transforming national healthcare and economic potential. This breakthrough represents a significant step in India's scientific journey, positioning the country at the forefront of medical research and innovation.

Key Points: India's Gene Therapy Breakthrough in Haemophilia Treatment

  • India's biotech sector grows 16-fold to $165.7 billion
  • First human gene therapy trial for haemophilia launched
  • 10,000 biotech startups emerge in a decade
  • BRIC unifies 14 autonomous research institutions
2 min read

India achieves breakthrough in gene therapy for haemophilia: Minister

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh highlights India's scientific milestone in gene therapy and biotechnology innovation at BRIC-inStem facility

"This is not just about science—it's about nation-building - Dr Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, April 24

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday inspected various facilities at the BRIC-inStem facility and reviewed ongoing clinical trials in collaboration with premier medical institutes and hospitals, including the landmark first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia conducted with CMC Vellore.

Calling it a “milestone in India’s scientific journey,” the minister hailed the institute’s contributions to preventive and regenerative healthcare.

During his visit, Dr Singh underscored the strategic importance of biotechnology in shaping India’s future economy and public health infrastructure.

“This is not just about science—it’s about nation-building,” he said, commending the Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) recent successes and its emergence from relative obscurity into national relevance.

India’s biotechnology sector has seen an extraordinary leap, growing 16-fold in the past decade to reach $165.7 billion in 2024, with a vision to touch $300 billion by 2030.

The minister credited this growth to enabling policy reforms, including the recently approved BIO-E3 Policy that aims to boost economy, employment, and environment through biotechnology. “We now have over 10,000 biotech startups compared to just 50 a decade ago,” he pointed out.

He praised the creation of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) that unified 14 autonomous institutions under one umbrella.

“BRIC-inStem is at the cutting edge of fundamental and translational science,” he said, highlighting innovations like the germicidal anti-viral mask during the pandemic and the ‘Kisan Kavach’ that protects farmers from neurotoxic pesticides.

“The recent pandemic taught us that we must always be prepared. Facilities like this will help us stay a step ahead,” Dr Singh stated.

The minister also praised the newly launched Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology (CReATE), which addresses birth defects and infertility by advancing developmental biology research. “With about 3 to 4 percent of babies born with some form of defect, this centre is vital for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes,” he said.

Calling for greater collaboration between scientific and medical institutions, he suggested that BRIC-inStem explore MD-PhD programmes, integrate more with clinical research, and enhance visibility through coordinated communication strategies.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya M.
This is incredible news! My cousin has haemophilia and we've been waiting for breakthroughs like this. So proud of our scientists 👏 Hope this treatment becomes widely available soon.
R
Rahul K.
The biotech growth numbers are impressive, but I wonder how much of this actually reaches rural areas? Great work in labs, but we need better healthcare distribution too.
A
Ananya S.
As a biotech student, this makes me so excited about career opportunities in India! The 10,000 startups stat is mind-blowing 💯
V
Vikram P.
The Kisan Kavach innovation sounds promising. Farmers really need protection from pesticides. Hope it's affordable and reaches them quickly.
S
Sanjay T.
While the achievements are commendable, I hope the government maintains transparency about clinical trial results. Gene therapy is promising but needs careful monitoring.
N
Neha R.
The CReATE center is such an important initiative! Birth defects affect so many families. More power to our researchers ❤️

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