BIRSA 101: India’s first indigenous CRISPR gene therapy for sickle cell
Asked by UPSCPrelims 20181 PYQ
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
What happened
- India’s first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease, “BIRSA 101”, was launched on 19 November 2025; it is named after Bhagwan Birsa Munda [PIB].
- CSIR-IGIB and Serum Institute signed a technology transfer agreement to make it affordable [PIB].
Background
- The Minister said the therapy targets a disease that particularly affects India’s tribal population [PIB].
Why it matters
- Gene therapy abroad costs crores. Local production is the only path for poor tribal patients.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2025-11-19): india's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease, "BIRSA 101", was launched on 19 November 2025; it is named after Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
- Gene therapy abroad costs crores. Local production is the only path for poor tribal patients.
Quotable data pointIndia's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease, "BIRSA 101", was launched on 19 November 2025.
PIB: MoST: CRISPR gene therapy for sickle cell, 19 Nov 2025
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: CRISPR, sickle cell.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
The therapy is named
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Developed by
Answer (a) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Industry partner for tech transfer
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
ExplainerBioE3 Policy: Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment, Biomanufacturing Hubs, Biofoundries and India’s $300 Billion Bioeconomy Goal (UPSC Notes + PYQs)ExplainerOne Health Approach: Why Human, Animal and Environmental Health Are Linked, Zoonotic Diseases, the Global Quadripartite and India’s National One Health Mission (UPSC Notes + PYQs)
Official source: PIB: MoST: CRISPR gene therapy for sickle cell, 19 Nov 2025
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending