With a mix of government backing, private investment and a strengthening academic ecosystem, the stem cell sector in the county is gaining momentum.
According to Dr Mrinalini Chaturvedi, medical director, Cryoviva Life Sciences, India is significantly spurred by technology advancements, clinical trials and growing patient need for regenerative and personalized therapy. Stem cell therapy is revolutionising the field of modern medicine.
The therapy uses identical cells with the capacity to repair or replace the damaged tissues and organs. These cells exhibit potential in the treatment of a range of diseases such as blood disorders, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases and specific cancers.
India’s stem cell therapy market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 13% during the period 2022 to 2027, according to a report by Market Research Future. “The growth is being driven by a mix of enhanced government investment, engaged private sector investment, and robust academic and research infrastructure. Institutions throughout the nation are investing in advanced technologies and translational research to take stem cell innovations from the lab to the clinic,” Dr Mrinalini added.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have been instrumental in determining the regulatory landscape for the stem cell sector. They jointly released the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research (2017) which offers an exhaustive framework to ensure ethical practice, patient protection, and scientific credibility in research as well as clinical use. In addition to standardizing practices, these guidelines are also promoting a more transparent and credible setting for domestic and international cooperation in regenerative medicine.
Intersection of stem cell therapy with new technologies speeds up progress. For instance, 3D bioprinting, genome editing tools like artificial intelligence-based diagnostics are helping researchers design precision and effective treatment regimens. These tools are enhancing precision, minimizing side effects, and accelerating the rate of translational research that brings laboratory findings closer to the clinic.
Our country’s robust IT infrastructure is also enabling data-based decision-making so that researchers may monitor the therapy response and adapt protocols during the process. These advancements bring challenges. The unlicensed facilities offer untested stem cell treatments, occasionally with significant safety risks. These activities demean legitimate research and can have the potential to erode public trust, Dr. Mrinalini told Pharmabiz in an email.
Ethical governance is the need of the hour. The regulations in India are intricate and stricter enforcement coupled with public awareness is required to safeguard patients and ensure ethical innovation. Moreover, the exceedingly high cost of therapy and lack of insurance coverage are hurdles that need to be taken care of to offer stem cell therapy to a wider section of society, she noted.
With continued investment in R&D, inter-disciplinary research and ethical regard, stem cell therapy has the potential to redefine the Indian healthcare future bringing hope where traditional therapies have limited solutions.
Stem cell therapy holds immense promise for the future of healthcare in India. As the country continues to integrate technologies with rigorous scientific research and ethical frameworks, it is well-positioned to become a global leader in regenerative medicine. Addressing existing challenges such as unregulated practices, high treatment costs, and the need for broader insurance coverage will be critical in making these therapies accessible and trustworthy. With sustained collaboration between policymakers, scientists, and healthcare providers, stem cell therapy in India can offer transformative solutions, delivering new hope to patients and reshaping the landscape of modern medicine, said Dr Mrinalini.
Source : pharmabiz
