Gene Therapy for Haemophilia

Gene Therapy for Haemophilia: India has achieved a significant milestone in gene therapy with the successful first-in-human trial for Haemophilia conducted by Bengaluru's BRIC-inStem.

• About BRIC-inStem: A leading research institute, driving India's progress in regenerative and preventive healthcare.

o It has developed life-saving innovations like the germicidal anti-viral mask during COVID-19 and the Kisan Kavach, a device protecting farmers from toxic pesticides.

• About Haemophilia : An inherited bleeding disorder where blood doesn't clot properly, leading to spontaneous or injury-related bleeding.

o Types: Hemophilia A (Classic Hemophilia) and Hemophilia B (Christmas Disease)

o World Haemophilia Day: April 17th.

o Clotting Factors: Blood contains clotting factors (Factor VIII or IX); a deficiency causes haemophilia.

o Causes: Mutations in genes responsible for clotting factor production.

o Symptoms: Bleeding in joints, muscles, skin, oral bleeding, and bleeding after tooth extraction or vaccination.