In a step towards eradicating sickle cell disease, a licensing agreement was exchanged on Wednesday between CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) and the Serum Institute of India, transferring IGIB’s indigenous CRISPR-based gene-editing technology for treating the condition. The exchange will help translate IGIB’s engineered enFnCas9 CRISPR platform into scalable and affordable therapies, crucial for a disease that disproportionately affects India’s tribal communities, particularly in central and eastern regions.
Stressing upon the importance of public-private partnership, Union Minister of State (Independent charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said, “We are no longer just adopting global technologies; we are creating them.” Singh, who was the chief guest at the special programme, celebrating the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, further added that with the development and transfer of India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy, the country has taken a step towards the mission of a Sickle Cell–Free India by 2047.
Inaugurated the new advanced Gene translational facility at #CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrated Biology #IGIB, New Delhi.
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 19, 2025
Congratulations CSIR -IGIB, for successfully accomplishing a breakthrough in developing India’s first indegenous therapy for Genetic cure of Sickle Cell… pic.twitter.com/Ted4i6nyUn
A genetic blood disorder, sickle cell anemia is a condition where red blood cells become rigid and sickle-shaped, obstructing blood flow. It leads to severe pain, anemia, and even organ damage. Among the causes behind it is an inherited gene mutation. Disproportionately affecting India’s tribals, India has the world’s second-largest burden of the disease.
Speaking on why this indigenously-developed technology is hailed as a breakthrough, Dr Souvik Maiti, director, CSIR-IGIB, told The WEEK that while the treatment can cost up to Rs 25 crore elsewhere, “it will not cost more than Rs 50 lakh in India, if we’re successful.”
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Stage I trial is soon to begin for which IGIB is screening patients, out of whom three will be selected. “AIIMS will be the clinical centre, and the patient sample would come to a facility built at IGIB,” said Dr Maiti. Speaking on the cost involved, the scientist said: “Rs 30 crore is being spent on three patients, and we have to make it commercially successful which is where the Serum Institute comes into play.” Serum Institute will conduct Phase II and III clinical trials.
“Globally, gene therapies cost over three million dollars and are beyond the reach of even the wealthy. Our mission is to take Indian innovation and make it accessible for the poorest of the poor,” said Dr Umesh Shaligram, executive director, Serum Institute of India.
