New Delhi: On the occasion of National Science Day 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed a significant breakthrough in India’s scientific landscape. The country has successfully conducted the first human clinical trial of gene therapy for haemophilia A (FVIII deficiency) at Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore. This revolutionary therapy aims to prevent the recurrence of cancer and reduce the side effects of treatments like radiation and chemotherapy by 50 percent.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, while addressing the National Science Day program at Vigyan Bhawan, highlighted the collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology, the Centre for Stem Cell Research, InStem Bengaluru, and Emory University, USA, in conducting the trials at Christian Medical College, Vellore. The gene therapy involves using a lentiviral vector to express a FVIII transgene in the patient’s own haematopoietic stem cell, leading to the expression of FVIII from specific differentiated blood cells.
Expressing hope for the manufacturing of this vector to commence soon in India, Dr. Jitendra Singh commended the researchers for their dedication and perseverance over the years. He emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing science and technology under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The National Science Day, commemorating the discovery of the “Raman Effect” by Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman, serves as a platform to celebrate India’s achievements in science and technology. Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored India’s progress in the bio-economy, startup ecosystem, and advancements in fields like Quantum Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning.
The minister highlighted India’s role as a global leader in scientific research publications, its impressive climb in the Global Innovation Index, and the country’s remarkable achievements in space exploration, including the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon.
In addition to unveiling a compendium of SATHI Clusters and releasing a White Paper on ‘Evolution: Catalysing technology-led ecosystem for Bharat e-Mobility,’ Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence in the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, envisioning it as a comprehensive forum for scientists, industry, and researchers from diverse fields.
The National Science Day’s theme for 2024, ‘Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat,’ resonates with India’s commitment to fostering innovation, scientific research, and technological advancements for national development.