DBT & BIRAC host webinar on biomanufacturing & biofoundry initiative on the theme “Cell & Gene Therapy”
New Delhi: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, along with Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) conducted the 12th webinar in its Biofoundry and Biomanufacturing Initiative series on17th April, 2025.
The session focused on “Cell and Gene Therapy”, a critical domain under the Precision Biotherapeutics thematic area of BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) Policy for fostering high-performance biomanufacturing. Approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024, the BioE3 Policy aims to position India as a global leader in bio-based innovations.
The rapidly evolving field of “Cell and Gene Therapy” with transformative potential for treatment of a range of complex and previously untreatable diseases is a priority segment under the Precision Biotherapeutics vertical of the BioE3 Policy. The webinar provided a platform for academia, industry leaders, start-ups, and researchers to discuss advancements, as well as, opportunities in Cell and Gene Therapy.
Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser/Sc ‘H’, DBT, highlighted the BioE3 Policy’s vision to foster high-performance biomanufacturing by supporting sustainable green growth. She summarized that BioE3 Policy has been approved by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for fostering high-performance biomanufacturing. She said today’s Webinar will deliberate upon current landscape, emerging opportunities, challenges, and the strategic interventions which are essential for strengthening this sector in the country.
Dr. Kamakshi Chaithri, Scientist ‘D’, DBT, provided an overview of the thematic sector. She highlighted the need for prioritizing this sector at a critical time, emphasizing the importance of these therapies in offering a potential curative outcome for several life threatening diseases including cancers and rare diseases. She touched upon how the sector is positioned globally and nationally, and stressed on the need for a focused and holistic approach for addressing the challenges in the cell and gene therapy product development chain. She further highlighted the steps taken by DBT under the BioE3 Policy, to foster innovation and facilitate a conducive ecosystem for development of indigenous cell and gene therapies.
Dr. Debojyoti Chakraborty, Principal Scientist at CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi discussed the gene editing technologies under development for various diseases such as sickle cell disease, ocular diseases etc. He highlighted the need to address the manufacturing and regulatory hurdles in the pathway from discovery to commercialization of these therapies and the issues to be considered in bringing about development of affordable and accessible therapies.
Dr. Anil Kamat, Head, Clinical Development, Immuneel Therapeutics, touched upon the local and global landscape of cell and gene therapies and elaborated on the commercial approval of the BIRAC supported CAR-T Cell therapy by Immuneel Therapeutics. He discussed various challenges in scale up and manufacturing of cell & gene therapies. He further suggested way forward for improved access, availability and affordability of these therapies.
The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A segment moderated by DBT and BIRAC officials. Participants actively engaged with the experts, discussing challenges and opportunities in biomanufacturing for cell and gene therapy and addressing the regulatory requirements
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