siliconindia | | MAY 20199also be used to determine a child's parentage (genetic mother and father), or in general, a person's ancestry. Gene editing will facilitate correcting genetic abnormalities much before an offspring is born and help find cure for diabetes or reduce susceptibility to HIV infections in future. Biomarkers could help in early detection and designing of cancer treatments, as late detections have been a bane in India, with more than half a million people dying of various cancers each year.Genetically modified crops help increase the crop yield per acre and could help feed millions in low per acre produce in countries such as India. In India, it could lead to food security and better nutrition, besides obviating the need for more harmful carcinogenic pesticides that have found their way into our food chain. Bioremediation helps reduce harmful effects of pollutants in water, soil and other media by stimulating growth of beneficial microorganisms. Industrial biotechnology can be used in fermentation, production of enzymes, and useful genetically modifies organisms.India's total oil import bill last year was close to $125 billion, a huge drain on our exchequer. Bioenergy could reduce dependence on fossil fuels by producing biofuel through agricultural and sewage wastes. Clinical research in biotech could lead to finding cure for Alzheimer's disease. Gene therapy through CAR-T immuno-oncology therapies could help find cure for some of the common cancers. Crystal GazingA lot of biotech companies have exploited the poor Indians in the past under the pretext of clinical trials. Strong legislation is therefore advisable. Ayushman Bharat too needs cheaper medicines to make the scheme a resounding success. More than 60 percent of the Indian population still lives in rural areas with poor access to healthcare delivery and lack of affordability. Technological advancements can bridge the gap, and contribution of the biotechnology industry would be the key to success.As per the industry experts, digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced data analysis, and a growing trend toward more personalized products will be among the hottest pharmaceutical developments in future. Advancements in AI, big data, IoT/IoMT, biotransformation, bioinformatics and 3D/4D printing could give further fillip to the industry. Data is no longer just a by-product; it is the new currency. We need more technological innovations to help drive costs downwards while maintaining patient centricity.In the Union Budget 2017-18, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) received Rs. 2,222 crore ($333.31 million), an increase of 22 percent to continue implementing the department's national biotech strategy and target increasing the turnover of the sector to $100 billion by 2025, from $7 billion in 2016.Government of India must create the right environment to attract investment in the biotech industry and promote manufacturing under the now highly successful `Make in India' campaign. Only then can we hope to make healthcare more affordable for the masses in India and drive sustainable growth in the industry. Buoyed by a strong demand and viable investments scenario, India has emerged as a strong destination for clinical trials, contract research and manufacturing activitiesColonel Hemraj Singh Parmar
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