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India Launches Indigenous Sickle Cell Gene Therapy, BIRSA 101, to Achieve Sickle Cell-Free by 2047.

National | Dated: 20 Nov 2025

India has launched its first indigenous, low-cost gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), named BIRSA 101. The therapy is named in honour of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, whose 150th birth anniversary was recently observed. Developed in partnership with the Serum Institute of India (SIIPL) for scale-up and affordable national deployment, BIRSA 101 aims to replace expensive global treatments (costing ₹20–25 crore) with indigenous solutions. This therapy is a major step toward achieving the Prime Minister's vision of making India Sickle Cell-Free by 2047, particularly benefiting tribal groups where the disease is prevalent.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • The gene therapy is named BIRSA 101, after Birsa Munda.
  • The objective is to achieve India's mission of becoming Sickle Cell-Free by 2047.
  • The therapy will replace global treatments costing ?20–25 crore with indigenous, low-cost solutions.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • The therapy positions India among global leaders in advanced gene-editing therapies.
  • SCD is highly prevalent in groups like Gond, Munda, Bhil, and Santal.
  • The development enhances India's capability to produce world-class therapies at low prices.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

India aims to become Sickle Cell-Free by which target year?

Correct Answer: 2047

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

  • (i) Nature: A genetic blood disorder common in tribal populations. (ii) Goal: Elimination of SCD by 2047 (PM's vision).
  • (iii) Naming: BIRSA 101 honours Birsa Munda (150th birth anniversary). (iv) Partner: Serum Institute of India (SIIPL) for technology transfer and scale-up.