VELLORE: Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 10th Annual “Cell and Gene Therapy” Symposium at the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore via a virtual platform on Friday.
The event, organized by the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) and supported by the Department of Biotechnology, highlights significant advancements in gene therapy, including India’s first-in-human trial for Hemophilia A. Additionally, Dr. Singh opened a new 42-bed Medium-Cost Private Ward in the Psychiatry Department, aimed at enhancing mental health care accessibility.
During the symposium, Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the CSCR for its groundbreaking achievement in completing India’s first-in-human gene therapy trial for Hemophilia A. This inherited bleeding disorder, caused by a deficiency in clotting Factor VIII, has traditionally required expensive lifelong treatments. The CSCR’s innovative approach utilized lentiviral vectors, which expanded patient eligibility and demonstrated sustained Factor VIII expression without any bleeding episodes. Dr. Singh emphasized that this milestone is not merely scientific; it represents a transformative step toward making gene therapy more affordable and accessible for India and other low- and middle-income countries.
The Minister highlighted that the CSCR, a translational unit of Stem, Bengaluru, is gearing up for the next phase of clinical development. He noted that several technologies aimed at treating hemoglobinopathies are being transferred to commercial partners. Furthermore, CSCR is establishing a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant haplobank of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as part of the Global Alliance for iPSC Therapies, indicating a commitment to advancing the field of regenerative medicine.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also inaugurated a new 42-bed Medium-Cost Private Ward in the Psychiatry Department at CMC, which he described as a significant enhancement to the institution’s legacy of mental health care that dates back to the 1950s. This new facility is designed to cater to patients from various socioeconomic backgrounds, addressing the need for modern psychiatric care. The Minister pointed out that the Department of Psychiatry already operates three key wards: the fully subsidized Annexe Ward, the partly subsidized Low-Cost Private Ward, and the Private Ward, which generates revenue to support the other facilities.
The new ward, equipped to meet contemporary safety standards, adds 42 beds and aims to provide high-quality psychiatric care. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of balancing affordability with excellence in mental health services. He stated that the facility fosters a nurturing environment that encourages family involvement in the healing process, thereby enhancing patient care while ensuring subsidized treatment for underprivileged communities.
In a broader context, Dr. Jitendra Singh discussed India’s position in the biomanufacturing sector, where the country ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and twelfth globally. He noted that pharmaceutical exports are projected to exceed $300 billion by the end of the year. The Minister highlighted that India’s bioeconomy has expanded from $10 billion in 2014 to nearly $170 billion today, with expectations to reach $300 billion by 2030. He also mentioned that the number of biotech startups has surged from just 50 in 2014 to over 11,000 today, showcasing the rapid growth of the sector.
Dr. Singh attributed this growth to supportive policies and programs, including the BioE3 policy and the National Research Foundation, which has significantly increased non-government funding. He reported that the Gross Expenditure on Research and Development has doubled, and the Department of Biotechnology’s budget has increased substantially, with over 55% of patents now filed by Indian residents.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored that the inaugurations at CMC reflect India’s dual focus on expanding affordable mental health services and advancing scientific innovation. He stated that providing affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare—both physical and mental—is crucial for building a self-reliant India. The achievements at CMC and CSCR exemplify how these institutions are driving innovation to meet the aspirations of India by 2047, reinforcing the country’s commitment to improving healthcare and biotechnology.
