Precision Biotherapeutics

Why in News?

Precision biotherapeutics bring together genetic science, molecular biology, and data analytics to design therapies that identify and rectify the cause of illness.

• It refers to medical interventions like drugs, therapies, or biological products that are designed and optimized based on a patient’s unique genetic, molecular, or cellular profile.
• The field draws on multiple cutting-edge technologies like
  • Genomic and proteomic analysis — Decoding a person’s genetic and protein signatures to identify mutations or dysfunctions causing disease.
  • Gene editing therapies — Directly modifying genes to correct underlying problems (e.g., CRISPR-based treatments for blood disorders).
  • mRNA and nucleic acid therapeutics — Using RNA molecules to instruct cells to produce specific proteins or suppress harmful ones.
  • Monoclonal antibodies and biologics — Laboratory-engineered molecules that bind to precise disease targets, such as cancer cells or viral proteins.
  • AI-driven drug discovery — Leveraging big data and machine learning to predict how molecules interact within the body.

Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular illness, and cancers account for nearly 65% of deaths in India.

• Status of Precision biotherapeutics in India - The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its funding arm BIRAC have identified Precision Biotherapeutics as one of the 6 focus areas.
• It is identified under the BioE³ Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment).
• Indian research institutions such as
  • The Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB),
  • National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), and
  • The Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) are leading efforts to map genetic diversity and disease susceptibility across populations.
• In the private sector, several biopharma companies are exploring precision therapies.
  • For example, Biocon Biologics and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories are investing in biosimilars and monoclonal antibodies.
  • Zydus LifeSciences is working on gene therapies for rare diseases.
• Other companies -
  • Immuneel Therapeutics, focused on immuno-oncology,
  • Bugworks Research, developing novel antibiotics,
  • Akrivia Biosciences, providing precision diagnostics for cancer;
  • miBiome Therapeutics, working on patient-centric healthcare solutions;
  • 4baseCare, a precision oncology firm with AI-driven tools; and
  • ImmunoACT, the first Indian company to bring CAR-T technology to India.

Reference

The Hindu | What are precision biotherapeutics?