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Quick scan: BIRSA-101 gene therapy targets sickle cell disease and beta thalassaemia
Why in News?
Why is India's CRISPR therapy named after Birsa Munda? The sickle cell and thalassaemia facts GS3 tests
BIRSA-101 is a CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease and beta thalassaemia.
Why it matters: general awareness
What you need to know
2 min read
BIRSA-101 is an Indian CRISPR-based gene therapy aimed at sickle cell disease and beta thalassaemia, two inherited blood disorders.
It is named after the tribal leader Birsa Munda and is a step towards affordable indigenous gene editing.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- BIRSA-101 is an Indian CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease and beta thalassaemia.
- Both are inherited blood disorders linked to defects in the haemoglobin beta-globin (HBB) gene.
- The therapy is named after tribal leader Birsa Munda, a nod to sickle cell's burden among tribal communities.
- CRISPR-Cas9 earned the 2020 Chemistry Nobel for Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna.
- The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was launched in 2023.
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome-editing tool that uses guide RNA to direct the Cas9 nuclease to a specific DNA sequence.
- Sickle cell disease and beta thalassaemia are inherited (autosomal recessive) haemoglobinopathies, not infectious diseases.
- Gene therapy modifies or edits a patient's genes to treat disease, unlike conventional drugs that manage symptoms.
Mains
GS3 (Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Health): India's genetic disease burden, especially among tribal populations, makes affordable indigenous gene editing important. Policy support runs through the Sickle Cell Elimination Mission and public research bodies, but costs, clinical-trial safety, regulation and ethics of germline editing remain concerns. The way forward is rigorous trials, a clear regulatory framework, screening and counselling, and public financing so that access is equitable.
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