26/11/2025
- India has marked an important milestone in genomic medicine with the launch of BIRSA 101, the country’s first indigenous CRISPR-based for sickle cell disease (SCD).
Developed by the CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), the therapy uses technology to edit a patient’s own stem cells, enabling the production of healthy red blood cells and addressing the genetic cause of the disorder.
remains especially prevalent among tribal communities in central and eastern India, and BIRSA 101—named in honour of tribal independence activist Birsa Munda—is specifically designed with this public health need in mind. Early clinical work included three patients supported by the Department of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
In parallel, CSIR-IGIB has partnered with the Serum Institute Of India to transfer the underlying gene-editing technology and prepare for scaled-up manufacturing, as well as Phase II and III .
For further details, visit: https://www.digitalhealthnews.com/india-launches-first...