Bengaluru hosts India's first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia

Bengaluru has achieved a historic milestone by hosting India's first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia, a genetic disorder affecting blood clotting. The trial is a joint initiative between the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council’s Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) and Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and was formally announced on Thursday.

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Haemophilia is a condition where blood does not clot properly, leading to prolonged bleeding episodes. The launch of this trial marks a significant advancement in India’s scientific capabilities, aligning with the country’s growing focus on biotechnology. Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh visited the BRIC-inStem facilities, underlining the critical role such innovations play in both scientific progress and national development.

India’s biotechnology sector has seen remarkable growth, expanding 16-fold over the last decade to reach $165.7 billion in 2024. Projections indicate the sector could touch $300 billion by 2030, highlighting its importance in public health and economic development.

Singh also recognized the establishment of the Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology (CReATE), which focuses on addressing birth defects and infertility to enhance maternal and neonatal health.

Singh encouraged deeper collaborations between scientific and medical institutions and proposed initiatives like integrated MD-PhD programs to strengthen clinical research.