Synopsis
On April 24, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh visited the BRIC-inStem facility to review ongoing clinical trials, including a landmark gene therapy trial for Haemophilia. He emphasized the importance of biotechnology in India's economic future and commended recent advancements in the field.Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh visited BRIC-inStem.
- First-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia conducted with CMC Vellore.
- Biotechnology sector growth expected to reach $300 billion by 2030.
- Need for collaboration in scientific research emphasized.
- New Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology launched.
New Delhi, April 24 (NationPress) Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh visited the BRIC-inStem facility on Thursday, where he evaluated various amenities and ongoing clinical trials in partnership with leading medical institutes and hospitals, including a groundbreaking first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia conducted with CMC Vellore.
Describing it as a “milestone in India’s scientific journey,” the minister acknowledged the institute’s significant contributions to both preventive and regenerative healthcare.
During his tour, Dr Singh emphasized the strategic role of biotechnology in determining India’s future economy and public health framework.
“This transcends mere science—it’s about nation-building,” he remarked, commending the Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) recent achievements and its transformation from relative obscurity to national prominence.
India’s biotechnology sector has experienced an astonishing growth, increasing 16-fold over the past decade to reach $165.7 billion in 2024, with aspirations to hit $300 billion by 2030.
The minister attributed this expansion to supportive policy reforms, including the recently greenlit BIO-E3 Policy, aimed at enhancing the economy, creating jobs, and fostering environmental sustainability through biotechnology. “We now boast over 10,000 biotech startups, compared to merely 50 a decade ago,” he noted.
He lauded the establishment of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), which consolidated 14 autonomous institutions into one cohesive body.
“BRIC-inStem is at the forefront of fundamental and translational science,” he stated, showcasing innovations like the germicidal anti-viral mask developed during the pandemic and the ‘Kisan Kavach’ designed to shield farmers from neurotoxic pesticides.
“The recent pandemic underscored the necessity for perpetual preparedness. Facilities like this equip us to stay ahead,” Dr Singh remarked.
The minister also commended the newly inaugurated Centre for Research Application and Training in Embryology (CReATE), which aims to tackle birth defects and infertility by promoting research in developmental biology. “With approximately 3 to 4 percent of infants born with some form of defect, this centre is crucial for enhancing maternal and neonatal health outcomes,” he stated.
Advocating for increased cooperation between scientific and medical institutions, he encouraged BRIC-inStem to explore MD-PhD programs, integrate more with clinical research, and improve visibility through coordinated communication strategies.
