Question: The main reason behind the (ICMR) setting up a task force on gene therapy research, is-
(a) It can provide cheap treatment
(b) Drugs or traditional therapies are not available
(c) Many inherited disorders can well be treated by gene therapy
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is setting up a task force on gene therapy research to encourage research in the emerging field.
- The research body among other things has proposed forming the task force to explore gene editing based therapeutic approaches to treat illnesses.
- In a call for research proposals, ICMR has stressed that many inherited disorders are not treated by current available drugs or traditional therapies.
- The vast majority of inherited diseases, appropriate targeted therapies are yet unavailable despite the large load of genetic disease in our population.
- To address this particular gap, ICMR is inviting proposals to fund gene therapy research projects,” the research body has said in its circular.
- In recently released guidelines on gene therapy ICMR stated, “India has large burden of genetic disorders and unmet medical needs of the people.
- Therefore the ICMR is of the view that gene therapy can prove to be a turning point in treatment of such disorders.
About Gene Therapy:
- Gene Therapy refers to the process of introduction, removal or change in content of an individual’s genetic material with the goal of treating the disease and a possibility of achieving long term cure.