On May 16, 2025, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) hosted the 14th Webinar in their Webinar Series on Biofoundry and Biomanufacturing Initiative. The session, themed “Biomanufacturing for mRNA Therapeutics”, highlighted advancements under the BioE3 Policy, aiming to position India as a global leader in biotechnology. This article explores the key discussions, innovations, and opportunities presented during the event.
Overview of the Webinar
Event Details
The webinar, conducted under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) Policy, brought together academia, industry experts, start-ups, and researchers to discuss biomanufacturing for mRNA therapeutics. Approved by the Union Cabinet, the BioE3 Policy promotes sustainable biomanufacturing to support economic growth and affordable healthcare, with mRNA therapeutics as a key focus area.
Objectives
The session aimed to foster collaboration and explore the latest developments in mRNA-based therapies, which have transformative potential for treating diseases like cancer, genetic conditions, and infectious diseases. It also addressed challenges such as product delivery, stability, and import dependence for raw materials.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | May 16, 2025 |
| Organizers | Department of Biotechnology (DBT), BIRAC |
| Theme | Biomanufacturing for mRNA Therapeutics |
| Participants | Academia, industry experts, start-ups, researchers |
Key Discussions and Insights
Vision of BioE3 Policy
Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser at DBT, emphasized the BioE3 Policy’s role in promoting high-performance biomanufacturing and sustainable green growth. She described the global shift toward sustainability as a “BioRevolution”, with mRNA therapeutics as a critical subsector. Dr. Sharma noted that several Indian biotech companies and research institutions are actively developing mRNA-based vaccines and therapies.
mRNA Therapeutics Overview
Dr. Varshneya Singh, Scientist at DBT, provided a SWOT analysis of the mRNA therapeutics subsector, highlighting its potential to address a wide range of diseases. He announced the Call for Proposals for Precision Biotherapeutics-mRNA Therapeutics, a joint initiative by DBT and BIRAC to foster innovation and scale-up in this field.
Technological Advances
Dr. Raghavan Varadarajan from IISc Bangalore discussed advancements in mRNA-LNP vaccine technology, focusing on its role in modern medicine. He covered the mRNA vaccine design workflow, structural elements, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) preparation, comparing different formulation methods and microfluidic chips used in production.
Industry Perspective
Dr. Monalisa Chatterji from Sekkei Bio Pvt. Ltd. addressed challenges in adopting biologics and the potential of RNA therapeutics. She stressed the need for expanded manufacturing capabilities and capital investment to unlock the full promise of these therapies, highlighting opportunities for growth in India’s biotech sector.
Why It Matters
The BioE3 Policy and initiatives like this webinar underscore India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in biotechnology. By advancing mRNA therapeutics, India can enhance healthcare accessibility, drive economic growth, and contribute to sustainable development, aligning with the vision of a bio-based economy.
Key Highlights
- Event Date: May 16, 2025.
- Organizers: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BIRAC.
- Theme: Biomanufacturing for mRNA Therapeutics under the BioE3 Policy.
- Key Speakers: Dr. Alka Sharma, Dr. Varshneya Singh, Dr. Raghavan Varadarajan, Dr. Monalisa Chatterji.
- Focus Areas: mRNA vaccine technology, manufacturing challenges, and opportunities for innovation.
- Initiative: Call for Proposals for Precision Biotherapeutics-mRNA Therapeutics announced.