Published on: October 14, 2024
IMPORTANCE OF BIOBANKS IN PRECISION MEDICINE
IMPORTANCE OF BIOBANKS IN PRECISION MEDICINE
- Definition: Biobanks store biological samples (blood, DNA, tissues) with genetic data for research.
- Precision Medicine: Requires large, diverse biobanks to ensure equitable research benefits.
- Global Impact: Biobanks help identify rare diseases and develop new therapies, as seen in recent studies on genetic disorders and sarcoma.
Precision Medicine in India
- Growth: India’s precision medicine market is growing at a 16% CAGR, projected to exceed $5 billion by 2030.
- Contributions: Precision medicine contributes 36% to the national bioeconomy, supporting cancer therapies, gene editing, and biologics.
- Developments: India has approved its first domestic CAR-T cell therapy, and institutions are deploying AI for precision medicine.
Biobanks in India
- Current Landscape: India has 19 biobanks hosting specimens, with major projects like ‘Genome India’ sequencing genomes from 99 ethnic groups.
- Key Initiatives: Programs like ‘Phenome India’ and PRaGeD are addressing rare genetic diseases, but biobank regulations remain a challenge.
Challenges with Biobank Regulations in India
- Lack of Regulation: India’s biobanking laws are fragmented, with gaps in informed consent, privacy, and data protection.
- Risks: Ethical violations, sample mishandling, and exploitation by pharmaceutical companies could undermine trust and limit research potential.
- Need for a Single Authority: A centralized regulatory body is crucial to safeguard participants’ rights and ensure transparency.
The Need for Strong Biobank Laws
- Global Standards: Aligning biobank regulations with global norms (as seen in the U.K. and U.S.) will foster public trust and participation.
- Leadership Opportunity: Strengthening biobank laws positions India as a leader in next-gen therapeutics and supports its global pharmaceutical role.