Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the successful outcome of a gene therapy trial for hemophilia, conducted with the support of the Department of Biotechnology at Christian Medical College, Vellore. The announcement was made during the 2nd Annual General Meeting of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) Society in New Delhi.
The results of this trial have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of gene therapy for inherited bleeding disorders.
BRIC's Role in Biotechnology Advancement
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted BRIC's pivotal role in transforming India's biotechnology sector. BRIC unifies the governance of 14 premier biotechnology institutions, fostering research, innovation, and capacity building. This consolidation aims to streamline efforts and maximize the impact of biotechnology initiatives across the country.
Key Initiatives Launched
During the meeting, several key initiatives were launched, including the First Annual Report of BRIC 2024, the i3c BRIC-RCB-PhD Programme Brochure, and BRIC News. The i3c BRIC-RCB-PhD Programme is a globally competitive, interdisciplinary initiative designed to promote innovative research and hands-on training. The program has already enrolled its first batch of 58 students.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
Dr. Singh also praised the Zero Waste Life Initiative being implemented across BRIC campuses, underscoring sustainability as a core institutional value. The progress in developing the iBRIC+ Biosciences Innovation Park in the NCR Biocluster was also commended, as this facility aims to serve as a hub for biotechnology startups and advanced R&D.
The establishment of BRIC-NABI, inaugurated in October 2024 as India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute, was recognized as a major milestone in the nation’s biotechnology journey. Dr. Singh underscored the importance of strategic initiatives such as the development of interdisciplinary research networks, which have resulted in the implementation of 24 innovative programs involving over 90 scientists from various BRIC institutions.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook
Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships with institutions like AIIMS and IITs to enhance research outputs and promote techno-entrepreneurship. He urged the institutions to adopt innovative training methods, foster transdisciplinary research, and contribute to fulfilling India’s vision of self-reliance in biotechnology.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence in BRIC’s ability to scale biotechnology research and innovation to address national and global challenges. BRIC continues to play a pivotal role in driving India’s bioeconomy and establishing itself as a global leader in the biotechnology sector.
