Precision Medicine

Precision medicine is gaining traction as advancements in genomics and biotechnology pave the way for personalized healthcare solutions. Recent breakthroughs, such as India's approval of NexCAR19, a CAR-T cell therapy, and the establishment of AI-focused facilities in collaboration with institutions like the Indian Institute of Science, highlight the growing significance of this field.

What is Precision Medicine?

• Precision medicine refers to a tailored approach to healthcare that considers individual differences in genetics, environment, and lifestyle.
• By leveraging genomic data and emerging technologies such as gene editing, mRNA therapeutics, and organ-on-a-chip models, precision medicine aims to deliver more effective and personalized treatment plans for diseases, particularly in oncology, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders.
• Technological Contributions: Key technologies driving precision medicine include:

• Gene Editing: Techniques like CRISPR enable targeted modifications to DNA, which can correct genetic mutations.
• mRNA Therapeutics: This technology gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplified by rapid vaccine development.
• Organ-on-a-Chip: These microfluidic devices allow researchers to model human organ systems for drug testing, mimicking the microenvironment of diseases.

• The Indian precision medicine market is anticipated to surpass $5 billion by 2030, contributing 36% to the national bioeconomy. Initiatives like the Genome India programme and the Phenome India project are crucial for identifying treatments for rare diseases and enhancing predictive models for common ailments.

Challenges in India

India faces significant hurdles in establishing a robust framework for precision medicine:

• Inconsistent Biobanking Regulations: Unlike countries like the U.S. and U.K., India lacks comprehensive laws governing biobanks, leading to gaps in consent processes and data protection. Current guidelines do not adequately inform participants about how their samples and data will be used, raising ethical concerns.
• Absence of a Central Authority: The lack of a singular regulatory body overseeing biobanks leads to inconsistencies and ethical violations, jeopardizing public trust and participation in research initiatives.
• Public Awareness and Participation: There is a need for improved public engagement to encourage participation in biobanking and research. Concerns about data privacy and potential misuse of genetic information deter individuals from sharing their samples.
• Infrastructure and Investment: While the precision medicine market in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16%, significant investments are required in biobanks, genomics research, and healthcare infrastructure to keep pace with advancements globally.