Health: Recent Advancements in Biotechnology 

Context: Healthcare in 2024 saw significant advances across multiple specialisations including developments in cancer treatment with immunotherapies and gene editing for personalised treatments.

Cancer Treatment

1. Immunotherapy: 

• Immunotherapy teaches the body’s immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells. E.g., CAR-T cell therapy.  
• In 2024, India launched its first homegrown CAR-T cell therapy called NexCAR19.
  • CAR-T cell therapy works by taking a patient’s T cells (a type of white blood cells that fight cancer) and genetically modifying them to recognise and destroy cancer cells.
  • NexCAR19 is designed to treat B-cell lymphomas and B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in patients aged 15 and older. NexCAR19 is the world’s most affordable CAR-T therapy and puts Indian cell and gene therapy innovation on the global stage.

Also Read: Immunotherapy for Cancer Treatment 

2. Cancer Vaccines: 

• CVLP IN THE UK: In England, the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad (CVLP) has been launched, with a focus on personalised cancer vaccines made using mRNA technology.
  • These vaccines are created by analysing a patient’s tumour to find unique mutations, helping the immune system target the cancer more effectively.
• HPV SHOT IN INDIA: India will roll out a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in 2025.
  • The vaccine protects against strains of the virus responsible for the majority of cervical cancers, as well as some cancers of the anus, vagina, and throat.
  • Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women. (India has 20% of the global burden of cervical cancer)

Also Read: Central Government to roll-out vaccine for cervical cancer 

Alzheimer’s Disease:

• In 2023, the FDA approved Leqembi (lecanemab), a monoclonal antibody for early Alzheimer’s treatment. The drug helps the body clear excessive amyloid plaques. 
  • Alzheimer’s is linked to changes in the brain, including the buildup of amyloid beta plaques. 
  • The buildup of excessive amyloid plaque in the brain contributes to memory loss and other cognitive issues associated with Alzheimer.
• India is also conducting research to explore potential treatments other than therapies targeting amyloid beta proteins.

Advances in Gene Editing: 

• Casgevy Gene therapy: In December 2023, the FDA approved Casgevy gene therapy to treat sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients aged 12 and older
  • The therapy edits the patient’s stem cells to produce more foetal haemoglobin, which binds to oxygen more strongly than adult haemoglobin. This helps the body to produce more healthy red blood cells. 
• Deactivation of LDL genes:
  • In 2024, the US researchers used CRISPR-based gene-editing to deactivate a particular gene (PCSK9 gene) in the liver which controls the production of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or bad cholesterol. 
  • This would benefit patients who struggle with high levels of LDL despite other interventions.