Narayana Nethralaya Supports Indigenous Gene Therapy Trials For The First Time In India. Gene therapy offers the potential to directly modify the genetic makeup of cells, providing longlasting improvement for patients.
Bengaluru, July 26, 2023: Narayana Nethralaya, a leading ophthalmic institution in India committed to enhancing patient care, has achieved a significant milestone in medical science with the launch of its Indigenous Gene Therapy Trial Program.
Mutations in genes or altered gene expression are known to cause genetic diseases in both children and elderly patients, with no available treatments. Some of these diseases, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and LCA, cause irreversible blindness in children. Others, like Keratoconus, lead to low vision or blindness in adolescents and young adults, while AMD (Agerelated macular degeneration) causes blindness in the elderly, impacting their productive years of life. Gene therapy offers the potential to directly modify the genetic makeup of cells, providing longlasting improvement for patients.
Our founding father, Dr Bhujang Shetty’s belief that healthcare solutions must be affordable to be effective, resonates deeply with the mission of our gene therapy program. Today, we stand on the cusp of turning this vision into a reality, and we are filled with hope to bring positive changes to the lives of countless people suffering from various genetic diseases, both ocular and non-ocular.
A press conference was held at Narayana Nethralaya, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore, to announce India’s first fully regulated gene therapy trial for ocular genetic diseases. The trial will be conducted by distinguished scientists and clinicians from Narayana Nethralaya Foundation’s GROW (Genes, Repair, and Regeneration in Ophthalmic Workstation) lab.
Esteemed experts from Narayana Nethralaya who addressed the press conference include:
• Dr Rohit Shetty, Chairman, Clinician Translational Scientist
• Dr Naren Shetty, Vice-Chairman
• Gp Capt S K Mittal VSM, CEO
• Dr Arkasubhra Ghosh, Director, and Senior Principal Investigator, GROW laboratories
• Dr (Maj) Narendra P, COO & Administrator (NN2)
Dr Rohit Shetty stated, “As we embark on the ground-breaking journey of Gene therapy, Narayana Nethralaya’s steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence sets us apart. Our exceptional research drives us to provide customized, affordable, and cutting-edge solutions in Genomics, transforming the lives of countless patients. We are proud to introduce India’s first all-indigenous gene therapy trial program, a testament to our dedication to pushing scientific boundaries and creating a brighter future for those in need.”
The high cost of gene therapy drugs in the western world, ranging from Rs 7 crore to Rs 30 crore, has hindered access for Indian patients. Our lab is dedicated to developing the science and technology behind these treatments indigenously and producing the drugs within India for various ocular and non-ocular genetic diseases.
Dr Naren Shetty emphasized, “We are carrying forward our founder’s belief that our patients are at the centre of everything we do, and we are committed to providing affordable treatment to every patient, regardless of their background. Our achievements in gene therapy reflect this belief. Our main goal is to find innovative solutions that can improve treatments and lessen the impact of genetic diseases that cause blindness.”
During the press conference, the following key points were highlighted:
1. GROW lab is conducting India’s first human clinical trials using indigenous AAV vectors for ocular diseases.
2. The cutting-edge gene therapy is not only “Made in India” but also makes the treatment more affordable by significantly reducing the cost.
3. GROW lab has developed a system of vectors, many of which have already been validated in pre-clinical models and some in animal testing.
4. The lab continuously expands the “plug and play” vector delivery systems, allowing for multiple gene therapy approaches to be tested simultaneously.
5. Pre-clinical animal testing has shown success for eye diseases like Stargardt disease, Keratoconus, AMD, and muscle diseases like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and GNE myopathy.
6. GROW Lab’s Class 100 clean room is operational, and regulatory applications for human trials are in progress for corneal blindness (Keratoconus), retinal blindness (Stargardt disease), and a few other conditions.
“Through gene therapy, we envision a future where once incurable diseases become treatable and prevent blindness. At our GROW lab, we pioneer transformative ‘Made in India’ therapies that are accessible to all. Focusing on ocular, blood and muscular diseases, our cutting-edge research brings hope to many with genetic disorders.” – Dr Arkasubhra Ghosh, Director and Senior Principal Investigator, GROW Laboratories.
“The process of developing gene therapy is complex and requires significant resources, technology, and expertise. Narayana Nethralaya’s internal funding has wholeheartedly supported the development of gene therapy for various diseases. At Narayana Nethralaya, we have launched a determined fight against genetic disorders, and we are committed to emerging victorious in this war”. – Gp Capt S K Mittal VSM, CEO, Narayana Nethralaya.
“At our GROW lab, our pioneer work in gene therapy has achieved significant success in pre-clinical
trials. Through our relentless dedication and technological advancements, we have transformed this
dream into a practical treatment option for genetic diseases in India”- Dr (Maj) Narendra P, COO & Administrator (NN2).
For patients seeking voluntary participation in gene therapy treatment, please contact at 080-6666-0715 or email genetictest@narayananethralaya.com.
