Precision Medicine and Biobanks

• 26 Oct 2024

Source: TH

Why in News? 

Precision medicine is ushering in a new era of personalised healthcare. This field began to take concrete form as scientists completed the Human Genome Project (HGP). 

• It now encompasses genomics for diagnosing and treating cancers, chronic, immunological, cardiovascular, and liver diseases.

Note:

• Acknowledging the unique genetic diversity of the Indian population, the HGP aims to identify and catalogue genetic variations among various Indian groups by sequencing the entire genomes of 10,000 healthy individuals from all major ethnic communities across the country.

What is Precision Medicine?

• About:  
  • It is an innovative strategy for treating and preventing diseases that considers individual differences in genetics, environment, and lifestyle. 
  • It emphasises tailoring medical care to the unique characteristics of each patient rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. 
  • This method enables healthcare professionals and researchers to more accurately forecast which treatments and preventive measures are effective for specific groups of individuals. 
• Role of Biobanks: 
  • Biobanks store biological samples (e.g., DNA, cells, tissues) for research. Their diversity is crucial for precision medicine to benefit broader populations.  
  • Recent studies using biobank data helped identify undiagnosed rare genetic disorders. 

Role of Emerging Technologies 

• Gene Editing: Techniques like CRISPR have opened avenues for correcting genetic defects, thereby providing potential cures for previously untreatable conditions. 
• mRNA Therapeutics: The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the power of mRNA technology, allowing for the rapid development of vaccines. This innovative approach earned a Nobel Prize, highlighting its significance in modern medicine.

What is the State of Precision Medicine and Biobanks in India?

• Market Growth: 
  • The Indian precision medicine market is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16%, expected to exceed USD 5 billion by 2030. 
    • Currently, it accounts for 36% of the national bioeconomy, encompassing areas such as cancer immunotherapy, gene editing, and biologics. 
• Policy Development: 
  • The advancement of precision therapeutics is included in the new ‘BioE3’ policy. 
    • It is aimed at fostering high-performance biomanufacturing, which involves the production of bio-based products across various sectors. 
• Recent Approvals and Developments: 
  • In 2023, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation approved NexCAR19, India’s domestically developed CAR-T cell therapy. 
    • In 2024, the government also established a dedicated center for CAR-T cell therapy at IIT Bombay. 
• State of Biobanks in India: 
  • Genome India Programme: The ‘Genome India’ program completed the sequencing of 10,000 genomes from 99 ethnic groups, aimed at identifying treatments for rare genetic diseases, among other goals. 
  • Phenome India Project: The pan-India ‘Phenome India’ project has gathered 10,000 samples to enhance prediction models for cardio-metabolic diseases. 
  • Paediatric Rare Genetic Disorders (PRaGeD) Mission: This mission aims to identify new genes or variants to develop targeted therapies for genetic diseases affecting children. 
  • Regulatory Challenges: Biobanking regulations in India pose significant hurdles to realizing the full potential of precision medicine.  
    • In contrast to countries like the UK, US, Japan, and many European nations, which have comprehensive regulations addressing biobanking issues (e.g., informed consent, privacy, data protection), India's regulatory framework is inconsistent.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q. Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body? (2022)

(a) They protect the environmental allergens. body 

(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation. 

(c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body. 

(d) They protect the body from diseases caused by pathogens. 

Ans: (d)