India Strengthens Biomanufacturing and Gene Therapy Capabilities

India's biomanufacturing sector stands at rank 3 in the Asia-Pacific region and rank 12 globally, with pharma exports expected to cross $30 billion this year. The country's bioeconomy has grown significantly, from $10 billion in 2014 to nearly $170 billion today, and is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030. The number of biotech startups has increased from just 50 in 2014 to over 11,000 today.

Key Takeaways:

The Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) has completed India's first-in-human gene therapy trial for Hemophilia A, a landmark achievement in the field of gene therapy.
CSCR's approach using lentiviral vectors has expanded patient eligibility and shown sustained Factor VIII expression with no bleeding episodes.
The new 42-bed Medium-Cost Private Ward in the Department of Psychiatry at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, has been designed to serve patients across socioeconomic groups.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has contributed to India's growth in biotechnology, with significant breakthroughs in vaccine development and antibiotic creation.
India's innovation ecosystem is being strengthened by policies such as the BioE3 policy, BIRAC's public-private model, and the National Research Foundation with 70% non-government funding.
The DBT budget has risen from Rs1,500 crore to nearly Rs7,000 crore, with over 55% of patents now filed by Indian residents.

Statistics:

India's pharma exports are expected to cross $30 billion this year.
India's bioeconomy has grown from $10 billion in 2014 to nearly $170 billion today.
India's bioeconomy is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030.
The number of biotech startups in India has increased from just 50 in 2014 to over 11,000 today.
Gross Expenditure on R&D has doubled from Rs60,000 crore to Rs1,27,000 crore.
The DBT budget has risen from Rs1,500 crore to nearly Rs7,000 crore.
Over 55% of patents are now filed by Indian residents.

Sources:

"Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh virtually inaugurates 10th Annual Cell and Gene Therapy Symposium organised by CCSR" (Contify.com)