India’s first indigenous CAR-T therapy and gene therapy for Hemophilia, discussed during the 7^th PM-STIAC meeting in January 2025, were presented by experts from which institutions?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 05 Jun, 2025 Shift 3)

Answer 1

The correct answer is IIT Bombay and St. John's Hospital, Bengaluru.

Key Points

India's first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy was developed collaboratively by IIT Bombay and St. John's Hospital, Bengaluru.
The CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is a cutting-edge treatment for cancer that uses engineered T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells.
The gene therapy for Hemophilia discussed at the 7th PM-STIAC meeting was also presented by experts from IIT Bombay and St. John's Hospital.
The PM-STIAC (Prime Minister's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council) meeting serves as a platform for discussing breakthroughs in science and technology.
The development of indigenous CAR-T therapy and gene therapy is a significant step in reducing dependency on costly international treatments.

Additional Information

CAR-T Therapy:
- CAR-T therapy is a revolutionary form of immunotherapy where T-cells are genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors.
- It has shown remarkable results in treating blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- Globally, CAR-T therapies are expensive, costing millions, making indigenous development crucial for accessibility.
Gene Therapy for Hemophilia:
- Gene therapy for Hemophilia involves delivering functional copies of genes responsible for producing clotting factors.
- Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that impairs the blood's ability to clot, leading to excessive bleeding.
- Advancements in gene therapy aim to provide long-term solutions by addressing the root genetic cause.
PM-STIAC:
- The Prime Minister's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) advises the government on science, technology, and innovation strategies.
- It facilitates collaborations between government agencies, researchers, and institutions to drive advancements.
- The council focuses on leveraging science and technology for societal and economic benefits.
IIT Bombay's Role in Biotech:
- IIT Bombay has been at the forefront of research in biotechnology and healthcare solutions.
- Its collaboration with St. John's Hospital highlights the importance of academia-industry partnerships in healthcare innovation.