Indian Government Urged to Invest in Gene Drive Research

Malaria incidence in India is on the decline, thanks to conventional methods to control the spread of the disease. But a surge in cases is always a possibility. Thus, all possible mitigating measures, including gene drive technologies, should be considered by the Indian government.

A report published by the Takshashila Institution examined the viability of gene drives to eradicate vector-borne diseases, particularly malaria, in India. At the moment, India does not require the use of gene drives to achieve control over the disease since conventional approaches are working based on the consistent decline of malaria cases over the last few years. But resurgence is always a possibility, along with the risk of drug and insecticide resistance by mosquitoes that can develop over time. Hence, careful consideration for gene drives should be taken by the government.

The likelihood of gene drive organisms deployed in other countries reaching India is another factor that should be considered. Africa is a hotspot for mosquito-borne diseases and is a site for gene drive studies. If African countries agree to the implementation of gene drives on a large-scale basis in the future, the possibility of the gene drive mosquitoes travelling to India can become a reality. However, current Indian regulations do not cover cross-border flow of gene drive organisms. Data and research capacity in the country are also limited to fully evaluate this risk.

It is recommended for the Indian government to invest in the future of the country's domestic capabilities for primary research to learn more about disease control using gene drive technologies. Likewise, India will need strong monitoring data systems and regulations to monitor gene drive organisms from other countries that can make way into the country.

Read the full report from Takshashila Institution to learn more.