Latest news with #BRIC-inStem
Times of Oman
06-05-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
India pioneers gene therapy breakthrough for Haemophilia at Bengaluru's BRIC-inStem
India has long stood at the forefront of healthcare innovation, and recent advances in biotechnology have further solidified its position as a global leader in medical science. Among the most notable breakthroughs in recent years is a pioneering achievement from Bengaluru's BRIC-inStem—the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. This institution has led a major leap in India's bio-revolution through its development of gene therapy for haemophilia, a genetic bleeding disorder that has posed longstanding challenges to treatment, Indian media reports. Addressing a Lifelong Disorder Haemophilia is a rare inherited condition that impairs the body's ability to form blood clots, resulting in spontaneous or prolonged bleeding episodes. Conventional treatments, such as regular infusions of clotting factors, have been used to manage the disease. However, these treatments are costly, require lifelong administration, and may not be readily accessible in all regions. Now, thanks to advanced research at BRIC-inStem, gene therapy is offering hope—not merely for symptom management, but for a potential cure. By delivering a functional copy of the defective clotting factor gene directly into the patient's body, this therapy targets the root cause of haemophilia. It enables the patient to naturally produce clotting factors, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for repeated infusions. BRIC-inStem: At the Heart of India's Biotechnology Revolution Bengaluru, widely known as the 'Silicon Valley of India,' is fast becoming the nucleus of the country's biotechnology transformation. At the center of this shift is BRIC-inStem, an institution driving innovation in gene therapy, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine. Established to address some of the world's most pressing medical challenges, BRIC-inStem has evolved into a hub for breakthrough therapies. With contributions from top scientists, clinicians, and biotech innovators, BRIC-inStem is spearheading a transformative era in Indian healthcare. Its recent success in developing gene therapy for haemophilia underscores the growing strength and international relevance of India's biotech sector. By tackling complex genetic disorders with cutting-edge treatments, the institute is positioning India as a global trailblazer in life sciences. Transforming Haemophilia Treatment The gene therapy developed by BRIC-inStem involves the delivery of a healthy version of the clotting factor gene into patients. This innovative approach not only corrects the genetic defect but offers the possibility of a long-term solution to a condition that previously required lifelong management. Crucially, the research is being conducted in collaboration with leading Indian medical institutions, ensuring that the benefits of this breakthrough are accessible to the patients who need them most. The therapy has demonstrated both high efficacy and safety, representing a major step forward in haemophilia care. What makes this development particularly impactful is its potential scalability. In a country like India, where genetic disorders are prevalent and access to continuous care can be limited, a one-time or long-term therapeutic intervention could revolutionize patient outcomes. It could significantly reduce healthcare costs, improve patient quality of life, and alleviate the socioeconomic burdens associated with chronic illness. Expanding Frontiers in Regenerative Medicine BRIC-inStem's contributions are not limited to gene therapy. The institute is also advancing the field of regenerative medicine—an area focused on repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs through the body's natural healing processes. This is especially critical for conditions that lack effective treatments through traditional methods. Through pioneering work in stem cell research and tissue engineering, BRIC-inStem is developing therapies that could one day replace failing organs, treat degenerative diseases, and repair complex injuries such as spinal cord damage. These advancements represent the convergence of biotechnology and personalized medicine, where innovative science enhances the body's own capacity to heal. When combined with gene therapy, regenerative medicine offers a vision of healthcare that is not just reactive, but restorative—one where conditions once deemed incurable are addressed at their biological roots. India's Global Role in Biotech Innovation With BRIC-inStem at the forefront, India is asserting its role as a global force in biotechnology. The country's rapidly maturing biotech ecosystem is characterized by world-class research, cross-sector collaboration, and a focus on scalable, affordable healthcare solutions. India's approach—developing cutting-edge therapies that are also accessible—sets it apart from many Western counterparts. In contrast to high-cost models that often limit patient access, India is creating therapies that can be deployed at population scale. This is especially critical given the high incidence of genetic disorders within the country and the urgent need for equitable healthcare solutions. BRIC-inStem's achievements exemplify this approach, showcasing how India is not only contributing to global science but doing so in a way that prioritizes public health impact. A New Dawn for Haemophilia Patients The implications of BRIC-inStem's work in gene therapy for haemophilia are profound. For patients who have long lived under the constraints of chronic treatment, the promise of a durable or permanent solution signals a transformative shift in care. Beyond reducing hospital visits and medical expenses, gene therapy offers a future in which individuals with haemophilia can enjoy greater freedom, improved health, and enhanced participation in daily life. It marks a shift from disease management to potential cure—a leap that redefines what is possible in genetic medicine. This accomplishment also serves as a foundation for broader innovation. It demonstrates that India is not only capable of pioneering high-impact research, but also translating it into treatments that change lives. Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Indian Biotech As BRIC-inStem continues to lead in gene therapy and regenerative science, the future of Indian biotechnology looks exceptionally promising. With a focus on translational research, global collaboration, and patient-centric outcomes, India is poised to become a key driver of the next generation of medical breakthroughs. The successful development of gene therapy for haemophilia is just the beginning. With continued investment, support, and innovation, India is on track to reshape the global healthcare landscape—delivering hope, healing, and progress to millions. Bengaluru's BRIC-inStem stands as a beacon of this progress, exemplifying how science, when backed by vision and commitment, can transform the future of medicine not just in India, but around the world.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Scientists achieve breakthrough in gene therapy for haemophilia
Bengaluru: The country's first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia was conducted through a collaboration between Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council's Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine ( BRIC-inStem ) in Bengaluru and CMC Vellore, officials announced Thursday. Haemophilia is a genetic blood disorder where blood doesn't clot normally, causing abnormal bleeding. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Union science and technology minister Jitendra Singh reviewed the progress during an inspection of facilities at BRIC-inStem. "This is a milestone in India's scientific journey," Singh said, highlighting the institute's contributions to preventive and regenerative healthcare. "This is not just about science, it's about nation-building," he said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo The minister stressed the importance of biotechnology in shaping India's economy and public health infrastructure. "India's biotechnology sector experienced remarkable growth, expanding 16-fold over the past decade to reach $165.7 billion in 2024, with projections of $300 billion by 2030," an official statement read. Singh attributed this growth to policy reforms, including the recently approved BIO-E3 policy designed to boost economy, employment and environment through biotechnology. "We now have over 10,000 biotech startups compared to just 50 a decade ago," he said. Singh toured BRIC-inStem's Biosafety Level III laboratory, a critical national facility for studying high-risk pathogens under India's One Health Mission. "The pandemic taught us that we must always be prepared. Facilities like this will help us stay a step ahead," Singh said. The newly launched Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology (CReATE) received praise for its work on addressing birth defects and infertility through developmental biology research. "With 3% to 4% of babies born with some form of defect, this centre is vital for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes," the minister said. Calling for greater collaboration between scientific and medical institutions, Singh suggested that BRIC-inStem explore MD-PhD programmes and strengthen integration with clinical research. "As Mark Twain said, the economy is too serious a subject to be left to economists alone. Biotechnology is not just a science anymore — it is a pillar of our national strategy," Singh said.
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
‘Biotech shaping future economy, public health': Union Minister Jitendra Singh
BENGALURU: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh on Thursday emphasised the role of biotechnology in shaping India's future economy and public health. Dr Singh, who inspected the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council -- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem), a research institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, described the sector's contribution as pivotal for nation-building. 'This is not just about science, it's about nation-building,' he said and lauded the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for its achievements and transformation from a relatively obscure sector to a national powerhouse. The minister inspected the facilities and reviewed clinical trials, including the first-in-human gene therapy trial for haemophilia, conducted in collaboration with CMC, Vellore, at the institute. Stating that India's biotechnology industry is witnessing a remarkable growth, Dr Singh said it has expanded 16-fold over the past decade to reach $165.7 billion in 2024, with a target of $300 billion by 2030. Dr Singh attributed this progress to policy reforms such as the BIO-E3 Policy, designed to boost the economy, create jobs, and improve environmental sustainability. 'The country now boasts of having over 10,000 biotech startups, an increase from just 50 a decade ago,' he added. He visited BRIC-inStem's Biosafety Level III Laboratory, which serves as a critical facility for studying high-risk pathogens under India's One Health Mission. The Union minister also visited the new Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology (CReATE), which focuses on addressing birth defects and infertility through research. He highlighted its vital role in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes, noting that approximately 3 to 4% of babies are born with some defects. Dr Singh stressed the need for increased collaboration between scientific and medical institutions and suggested that BRIC-inStem should explore MD-Ph.D programmes, strengthen ties with clinical research, and enhance its visibility through coordinated communication. What's being done here should echo across the country. It's not just for publicity, the nation needs it, he said.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India conducts first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia
Bengaluru: A collaboration between Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council's Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) in Bengaluru and CMC Vellore has resulted in the country's first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia, officials announced on Thursday. Haemophilia is a genetic blood disorder in which blood doesn't clot normally, causing abnormal bleeding. Union science and technology minister Jitendra Singh reviewed progress in the work during an inspection of facilities at BRIC-inStem. "This is a milestone in India's scientific journey," he said, highlighting the institute's contributions to preventive and regenerative healthcare. Singh toured BRIC-inStem's Biosafety Level III laboratory, a critical national facility for studying high-risk pathogens under India's One Health Mission. "The pandemic taught us that we must always be prepared. Facilities like this will keep us ahead of hazards." The newly launched Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology (CReATE) came in for praise for its work on addressing birth defects and infertility through developmental biology research.
Hans India
24-04-2025
- Health
- Hans India
India achieves breakthrough in gene therapy for haemophilia: Minister
New Delhi: 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.
