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“BIRSA 101” — India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease
- Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and CSIR-Institute of Genetics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), organized a workshop at the CSIR-IGIB campus. The workshop was on “BIRSA 101”, India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD).
About BIRSA-101
- BIRSA-101 is India’s first indigenously developed CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
- The therapy is named after the legacy of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
- It was developed by CSIR-Institute of Genetics and Integrative Biology.
Key Features of BIRSA-101
- Use of CRISPR Technology: This treatment uses the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technique to correct the defective gene that causes sickle cell disease.
- Cost-effective treatment: Compared to similar CRISPR treatments available worldwide, BIRSA-101 is very inexpensive; this could help poor patients access advanced treatment.
About Sickle Cell Disease
- Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells become stiff and stiff, taking on a crescent shape.
- These abnormal cells are less efficient at carrying oxygen throughout the body.
- This deformed shape of the cells can clog blood vessels; this can lead to serious consequences such as severe pain, long-term complications, organ damage, anemia, infections, and stroke.
