India Makes Breakthrough in Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A: Dr Jitendra Singh
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th Feb. In a significant development coinciding with National Science Day, India announced the successful completion of the first human clinical trial for gene therapy of hemophilia A at the Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore. The announcement was made by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology, during the National Science Day 2024 program held at Vigyan Bhawan.
Hemophilia A, a genetic disorder characterized by prolonged bleeding, affects millions worldwide. This novel gene therapy approach utilizes a lentiviral vector to deliver a functional Factor VIII (FVIII) gene into the patient’s own stem cells, potentially enabling them to produce the missing clotting factor and alleviate the bleeding disorder.
Dr. Singh expressed hope for the swift domestic manufacturing of the vector and the continuation of clinical trials. He emphasized the significance of this achievement in the context of India’s ongoing scientific advancements and its alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
The National Science Day program also served as a platform to showcase India’s remarkable strides in various scientific and technological fields, including:
• Bio-economy: A 13-fold increase in the past decade, surpassing $130 billion in 2024.
• Startup ecosystem: Ranking as the world’s 3rd largest with over 100 unicorns and incubators fostering job creation.
• Agricultural transformation: Successful initiatives like the Aroma Mission and Purple Revolution demonstrating the application of science and innovation in agriculture.
• Advanced technologies: Dr. Singh emphasized India’s competitive edge in Quantum Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning.
• Space exploration: The historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar south pole, solidifying India’s position in space exploration.
Furthermore, Dr. Singh highlighted the growing role of women scientists under the current government and expressed confidence in the newly established Anusandhan National Research Foundation, envisioned as a collaborative platform for scientists, industry experts, and social scientists to drive research and development.
India’s rising trajectory in science and technology was acknowledged, with the nation ranking among the top five in scientific research publications, a significant improvement in the Global Innovation Index ranking, and record-breaking patent filings exceeding 90,000.
This news marks a milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in healthcare innovation and scientific advancements. The success of the hemophilia A gene therapy trial paves the way for potential future treatment options for this challenging condition and signifies India’s commitment to scientific progress for a healthier and more developed future.
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