In a groundbreaking development, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science & Technology, unveiled India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy called BIRSA 101. This innovative therapy aims to combat Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and was launched in November 2025, marking a new era in genetic medicine.
BIRSA 101 is named in tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, commemorating his 150th birth anniversary on 15th November 2025. This initiative is a monumental step towards eradicating Sickle Cell Disease in India by 2047, particularly targeting the tribal populations in central and eastern regions who face the highest incidence of this genetic disorder.
This CRISPR-based therapy was developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) using the advanced enFnCas9 CRISPR platform. The development of BIRSA 101 is a pivotal project for the nation, addressing a pressing health issue with cutting-edge biotech solutions.
In collaboration with the Serum Institute of India (SII), CSIR-IGIB has embarked on a mission to scale up this technology. The partnership focuses on making the therapy affordable and accessible while leveraging SII's expertise in biotechnological production.
The therapy involves a sophisticated process where patient stem cells carrying the sickle cell mutation are extracted and then edited using CRISPR technology. These edited cells are reinfused into the patient, leading to the production of healthy blood cells and effectively targeting the disease at its genetic root.
This innovative treatment is poised to transform the healthcare landscape for those affected by Sickle Cell Disease, offering hope for a healthier future.
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