21.11.2025

BIRSA 101 Gene Therapy

Context

India has launched its first indigenously developed CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), named BIRSA 101. This breakthrough represents a significant milestone in affordable genomic medicine, aiming to make cutting-edge therapies accessible to India’s affected populations, particularly tribal communities.

About BIRSA 101 Gene Therapy

What It Is

BIRSA 101 is India’s first homegrown CRISPR gene-editing therapy designed to cure Sickle Cell Disease, a severe hereditary blood disorder prevalent among tribal groups such as Gond, Munda, Bhil, and Santal.

Developed By

• CSIR–Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB)
   
• In partnership with the Serum Institute of India (SIIPL) for technology transfer, scaling up production, and national deployment.
   

Naming

The therapy is named BIRSA 101 in honour of Birsa Munda, commemorating his 150th birth anniversary.

Objectives

• Support India’s mission to become Sickle Cell–Free by 2047, as envisioned by the Prime Minister.
   
• Provide a low-cost alternative to global therapies, which currently cost ₹20–25 crore, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
   

How It Works

• BIRSA 101 uses CRISPR technology to perform “precise genetic surgery” on the patient’s cells.
   
• It corrects the defective gene responsible for producing sickle-shaped red blood cells, enabling normal haemoglobin production.
   
• Corrected stem cells are infused back into the patient, potentially offering a one-time, lifelong cure.
   

Key Features

• Fully indigenous CRISPR platform (enFnCas9) developed by IGIB.
   
• Affordable alternative to expensive global therapies.
   
• Developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, strengthening India’s medical self-reliance.
   
• Public–private partnership model ensures scalability, safety, and regulatory compliance.
   
• Supported by a new advanced translational research facility at CSIR-IGIB.
   

Significance

• Positions India among global leaders in advanced gene-editing therapies.
   
• Provides a potential cure for Sickle Cell Disease prevalent in India’s tribal populations.
   
• Demonstrates India’s ability to produce world-class therapies at a fraction of international costs, reducing reliance on imported medical solutions.
   
• Strengthens healthcare self-reliance while advancing the country’s capabilities in genomic medicine.
   

Conclusion

BIRSA 101 marks a historic achievement in India’s healthcare and biotechnology sector. By combining advanced CRISPR technology with an indigenous, affordable framework, the therapy promises to transform Sickle Cell Disease management, improve the lives of thousands of tribal patients, and establish India as a global hub for gene therapy innovation.