Latest inventions in Science and Technology “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.
