"Advancements and Challenges in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Treatment"

GS PAPER 3

(SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)

Introduction to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD):-

SCD is an inherited hemoglobin disorder characterized by abnormal red blood cells.
It causes various health complications including anemia, organ damage, severe pain, and premature death.
India ranks third globally in the number of SCD births, primarily affecting tribal communities.

Challenges in Accessing Treatment:-

Limited access to basic healthcare and diagnostics, particularly for marginalized tribal communities.
Under-resourced health systems, inadequate information, and high expenditure hinder efforts to treat SCD.
Treatment options like hydroxyurea and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are inaccessible to most patients.
Blood transfusions, another crucial therapy, are only available at district-level facilities, causing logistical and financial burdens on families.

Role of CRISPR in SCD Treatment:-

CRISPR technology offers potential breakthroughs in treating SCD.
Recently approved gene therapies like Casgevy and Lyfgenia demonstrate promise in alleviating SCD symptoms.
However, the high cost of CRISPR-based treatments ($2-3 million) makes them inaccessible to the majority of affected individuals, especially in endemic regions.
(Note:- CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a revolutionary gene-editing technology. It allows scientists to modify an organism's DNA, enabling them to remove, add, or alter sections of the DNA sequence.)

CRISPR Development and Regulation in India

India is exploring CRISPR's medical applications under strict regulatory guidelines.
A project to develop CRISPR for sickle cell anemia is underway, funded by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Ethical and legal considerations, including health inequity and discrimination, shape India's approach to CRISPR research and development.

Addressing Equity and Access

Advocates emphasize the importance of equitable access to healthcare technologies like CRISPR.
Prioritizing basic treatments, such as hydroxyurea, before investing in expensive therapies is recommended.
Regulatory frameworks should involve input from civil society and patient advocacy groups to ensure ethical research practices.
Integration of access to diagnostics, drugs, health information, and community support is crucial for improving outcomes for SCD patients.

Conclusion

Comprehensive efforts are needed to address the challenges of treating SCD, ensuring equitable access to healthcare technologies, and fostering responsible research practices.