Bengaluru Institute Pioneers Affordable Gene Therapy for Eye Diseases with New GROW Lab

February 3, 2025
Bengaluru Institute Pioneers Affordable Gene Therapy for Eye Diseases with New GROW Lab
  • 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.

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