DBT–BIRAC Host 12th Webinar on Cell & Gene Therapy Advancements

21 Apr 2025 CW Team

With its transformative potential in treating complex and previously incurable diseases, Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) is a priority area within the BioE3 vision to position India as a global leader in sustainable, high-performance biomanufacturing.

Highlights from the Webinar Dr Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser, DBT, opened the session by reiterating the BioE3 Policy’s mission to support green, high-impact biomanufacturing. She emphasised the need for strategic interventions to overcome sectoral challenges and drive growth in CGT innovation and accessibility.

Dr Kamakshi Chaithri, Scientist ‘D’, DBT, stressed the urgent need to prioritise this domain, particularly for life-threatening conditions like cancer and rare diseases. She outlined global and national positioning and underlined the DBT’s ongoing efforts to build a conducive innovation ecosystem for indigenous CGT development.

Dr Debojyoti Chakraborty, Principal Scientist at CSIR–IGIB, discussed cutting-edge gene editing technologies targeting sickle cell anaemia, ocular disorders, and more. He noted the regulatory and manufacturing bottlenecks and the importance of ensuring therapies are affordable and accessible.

Dr Anil Kamat, Head of Clinical Development, Immuneel Therapeutics, spoke on the commercial approval of CAR-T Cell therapy, supported by BIRAC. He discussed scale-up challenges and suggested solutions for improving access, affordability, and availability of CGTs.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, in collaboration with BIRAC, held the 12th webinar under its Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry Initiative on 17th April 2025. Themed around “Cell and Gene Therapy”, the session falls under the Precision Biotherapeutics focus of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) Policy, which was approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024. With its transformative potential in treating complex and previously incurable diseases, Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) is a priority area within the BioE3 vision to position India as a global leader in sustainable, high-performance biomanufacturing. Highlights from the Webinar Dr Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser, DBT, opened the session by reiterating the BioE3 Policy’s mission to support green, high-impact biomanufacturing. She emphasised the need for strategic interventions to overcome sectoral challenges and drive growth in CGT innovation and accessibility. Dr Kamakshi Chaithri, Scientist ‘D’, DBT, stressed the urgent need to prioritise this domain, particularly for life-threatening conditions like cancer and rare diseases. She outlined global and national positioning and underlined the DBT’s ongoing efforts to build a conducive innovation ecosystem for indigenous CGT development. Dr Debojyoti Chakraborty, Principal Scientist at CSIR–IGIB, discussed cutting-edge gene editing technologies targeting sickle cell anaemia, ocular disorders, and more. He noted the regulatory and manufacturing bottlenecks and the importance of ensuring therapies are affordable and accessible. Dr Anil Kamat, Head of Clinical Development, Immuneel Therapeutics, spoke on the commercial approval of CAR-T Cell therapy, supported by BIRAC. He discussed scale-up challenges and suggested solutions for improving access, affordability, and availability of CGTs.

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