The GROW Lab is particularly concentrating on diseases such as keratoconus, retinitis pigmentosa, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Gene therapy typically employs viral vectors to deliver new or repaired genetic material into patient cells, effectively correcting genetic defects.

Dr. Rohit Shetty, chairman of Narayana Nethralaya, highlights that this innovative approach involves injecting functional genes or repairing defective ones to restore normal cellular functions.

Currently, gene therapy treatments can be prohibitively expensive, costing between Rs 8-10 crore per dose and addressing approximately 65-70 conditions.

Dr. Shetty points out that the high costs associated with existing eye disease treatments stem from expensive development and delivery processes, which the institute aims to significantly reduce.

The institute has set a goal to decrease the costs of gene therapy by 70-80% and has already received regulatory approval to commence clinical trials.

Narayana Nethralaya, located in Bengaluru, is pioneering cost-effective gene therapy solutions specifically aimed at treating genetic eye diseases.

To support this initiative, the institute has established the Genes Repair Regeneration in Ophthalmic Workstation (GROW) Lab, which focuses on advancing research in gene therapies for complex eye conditions.

Unlike traditional treatments that merely manage symptoms, gene therapy targets the underlying genetic causes of diseases, offering the potential for permanent cures.

In addition to its focus on ophthalmology, Narayana Nethralaya is also exploring gene therapy applications for muscular dystrophy, haemophilia, and certain cancers.