Accelerating Gene-Editing Discoveries from Lab to Clinic
India has officially established the Centre of Excellence for CRISPR Innovation and Translation (CoE-CIT), a groundbreaking public-private partnership poised to revolutionize gene-editing research and its clinical applications. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between fundamental scientific discoveries and scalable, affordable health solutions for patients.
Key Details of CoE-CIT
- Establishment: Officially cemented with a Letter of Intent signed on December 22, 2025.
- Partnership: A dynamic collaboration between the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru (academic) and CRISPRBITS Private Limited (translational expertise).
- Objective: To bridge the gap between fundamental research and therapeutic deployment, creating a national model for academia-industry synergy.
JNCASR’s Pivotal Role
As an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), JNCASR brings profound expertise in fundamental biomedical sciences, encompassing genetics, molecular biology, chemical biology, and computational biology.
Notably, Professor Maneesha Inamdar’s laboratory has already achieved success in using CRISPR-Cas9 to generate OCIAD2-modulated human embryonic stem cell lines of Indian ethnic background, showcasing the institute’s advanced capabilities.
Professor Umesh Waghmare, President of JNCASR, emphasizes the center’s immense potential to significantly impact societal and national missions, driving forward India’s scientific agenda.
CRISPRBITS Private Limited: Translational Excellence
Founded in 2020 by Dr. Vijay Chandru and other visionary leaders, CRISPRBITS Private Limited specializes in applied gene-editing and the development of affordable CRISPR-based diagnostics.
The company further solidified its capabilities by inaugurating a state-of-the-art gene editing and diagnostics laboratory in Bengaluru in January 2025. This advanced facility is fully equipped for genomic research, molecular diagnostics, and crucial gene-editing applications in stem cell research.
Commercializing Diagnostic Platforms
- PathCrisp: Designed to target critical health challenges such as Sickle Cell, Typhoid, and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
- OmiCrisp: A rapid diagnostic solution for the swift detection of SARS-CoV2 variants.
CRISPRBITS has successfully secured $3 million in Pre-Series A funding, earmarking these resources to scale up its commercialization efforts and expand its reach. The company also plans to broaden its applications to include induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models for rare diseases and advanced industrial microbiology solutions.
Clinical Frontiers and Mission
The core mission of CoE-CIT is ambitious: to transform gene-editing discoveries into tangible clinical applications and deliver “lab-ready drugs to the patient.” This commitment is geared towards developing scalable, affordable, and profoundly innovative health solutions.
The center builds upon India’s pioneering progress, including its first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy, BIRSA-101, which targets Sickle Cell Disease, particularly among underserved tribal populations.
Targeted Genetic Conditions
- β-thalassemia
- Leber congenital amaurosis type 2 (LCA2) (inherited blindness)
Broader Therapeutic Areas
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
- Obesity
Ethical Frameworks and Regulatory Pathways in India
India is proactive in establishing robust guidelines for gene therapy. The National Guidelines for Gene Therapy Product Development and Clinical Trials, 2019, released by ICMR, DBT, and CDSCO, classify Gene Therapy Products (GTPs) as ‘new drugs,’ mandating rigorous oversight and review.
Ethical considerations are paramount, with informed consent being a cornerstone, especially concerning implications for future generations.
Furthermore, the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research strictly prohibit human germline editing and reproductive cloning, underscoring a commitment to responsible innovation.
Ongoing discussions highlight the imperative for more specific and legally binding laws to prevent misuse and solidify ethical oversight, ensuring the technology serves humanity responsibly.
Conclusion
The establishment of CoE-CIT represents a monumental step for India, signifying its unwavering commitment to scientific leadership and equitable, accessible healthcare. By fostering profound collaboration, cutting-edge research, and stringent ethical oversight, this center is poised to unlock the full potential of CRISPR technology. Its mission is clear: to bring transformative gene-editing solutions to patients and firmly position India as a global vanguard in the field of genetic medicine.
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