Science & Technology

KEY POINTS

Gene Editing

·        Gene editing is the process by which genes are altered, which in some cases may lead to changes in the characteristics of the cell/organism.

·        This process occurs in nature; however, natural gene editing is slow as noticeable changes can take decades.

·        Scientists have been using gene editing to explore gene functions in laboratories but it is inefficient and expensive to produce, and were also risky.

·        But, a recent tool CRISPR-Cas9 technology is not only far more accurate, but also considerably cheaper than existing technologies.

·        Additionally, reports of gene editing shrinking tumours in nasal cancer patients altogether will most likely to encourage others to take up gene editing trial, which has accelerated discussions about the regulation of gene editing.

Why is it so important?

·        The technology is still in its nascent stages and there are strong safety concerns with trialing a hitherto unused technology on human patients.

·        However, these concerns have to be contextualized by the number of terminally ill patients dying for want of treatment.

·        The debate on germline editing should not overshadow the more urgent testing of gene editing for healthcare treatments.

·        For this purpose, a comprehensive policy on gene editing is necessary to facilitate innovation in this sector.

·        Meanwhile, we need to define a regulatory framework need to be contingent on robust demonstration of safety and efficacy.

·        Because, India’s current regulatory architecture for approving novel treatments is ambiguous and assigns overlapping functions to different governmental bodies.

·        This framework needs to be restructured to optimize trial approval time while addressing safety requirements.

·        Its primary goal is to ensure that the regulatory environment is conducive to scientific progress.

·        India has the resources and expertise to cultivate a research environment and foster innovation.

·        If we don’t, other countries which do develop these solutions would be free to charge rates they want.

·        Thus, it is essential to formulate robust regulations to promote gene editing research while balancing safety of recipients.

Way Ahead

·        Precision medicine, led by gene-editing research and therapies, is certainly the future of healthcare.

·        India needs to promote indigenous gene editing research to make such treatments available at affordable prices.