When I was at school, our teacher taught us the value of healthy competition. Competing with peers in a positive spirit wasn’t just about outperforming them—it was about pushing boundaries, innovating, and growing collectively. This mindset has stayed with me as I transitioned into my roles as a researcher and clinician.
Every day, I critically evaluate my work, comparing it with that of others who are ahead of me. This self-imposed benchmarking has encouraged me to improve myself. The same principle applies to larger entities—whether it’s a company or a country. For India, especially in the field of genetic research and cellular therapies, it’s time to embrace this competitive spirit.
India’s progress in genetic manipulation and gene-editing technologies has been commendable but slow compared to the rapid strides being made globally. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and China have forged ahead, setting benchmarks that India must aspire to meet and surpass.
Consider China, which is ranked second globally in research output, especially in CRISPR and CAR T-cell therapies. Its focus on commercialising these therapies at scale is evident in its hundreds of registered clinical trials.
The United States dominates genetic manipulation research, driven by extensive government funding and private investment, while Europe has already approved advanced therapies like Zynteglo for Beta-thalassemia and Strimvelis for ADA-SCID.
Together, these countries are leading the charge in innovation, clinical applications, and commercialisation of cutting-edge therapies.
In contrast, this field is still in its infancy in India. While there are pockets of excellence, progress is steady but far from the pace set by global leaders. This demands urgent introspection.
Though the Indian government has taken steps to encourage research in genetic and cellular therapies, there are glaring gaps that need urgent attention. Do companies in this sector have access to adequate investments? How research-friendly are our regulatory frameworks? Are we offering the necessary hand-holding to start-ups in this space to navigate the maze of regulatory approvals and compliance?
Imagine a system where every start-up in the genetic research space has access to a dedicated mentor—akin to global university setups. This mentor could guide them through the complexities of funding, documentation, regulatory requirements, and approvals, eliminating delays and confusion. A single-window mechanism for regulatory compliance could significantly accelerate the progress of innovative companies.
India has shown great promise in genetic and cellular research, particularly in developing cost-effective, scalable solutions. This is a crucial advantage in a world where advanced therapies are prohibitively expensive. With strategic government support, streamlined regulations, and focused investments, India can not only catch up but also emerge as a global leader in affordable healthcare solutions.
Unlike China, India has the added advantage of strict ethical oversight, ensuring the safety of genetic manipulation. However, slower approval timelines for advanced therapies risk stifling innovation. Balancing safety with speed is critical to staying competitive.
The potential is immense. India has the talent, the need, and the ability to innovate. By creating a supportive ecosystem for researchers and start-ups, the nation can position itself as a hub for accessible and affordable genetic therapies. The world is moving quickly in this space, and India must not be content with merely observing from the sidelines.
It’s time for action. The race in genetic research and CAR T-cell therapy is not just about scientific prestige—it’s about the power to save lives, offer hope, and change the trajectory of healthcare for billions. With the right push, India can lead the way.
The writer is a paediatric haematologist in New Delhi, and a researcher innovating cell therapy solutions
(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK)
