MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

India Launches Indigenous CRISPR Gene Therapy "BIRSA 101" for Sickle Cell Disease, Targeting Tribal Communities

- India has launched its first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy called "BIRSA 101" for sickle cell disease, developed by CSIR-IGIB and transferred to Serum Institute of India for clinical trials. - The therapy aims to reduce treatment costs from approximately Rs 26 crore (USD 3 million) to around Rs 50 lakh, making it accessible to India's tribal populations who are disproportionately affected. - Clinical trials have begun with 150 potential participants from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, with the first phase involving three participants after regulatory approvals. - This breakthrough positions India among global leaders in gene therapy and supports Prime Minister Modi's vision of a Sickle Cell-Free India by 2047.