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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?
