Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Health
Why in News?
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.
