Cell and Gene Therapy Seen as Next Frontier in Medicine: Sood

New Delhi, October 27: Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, has said cell and gene therapy is set to become one of the most important technologies in medical science in the coming years.

Speaking on emerging technologies in the health sector, Sood said these therapies were earlier seen mainly as treatments for rare diseases. However, their use is now expanding rapidly.

He pointed out that cell and gene therapy is playing an increasingly important role in treating conditions such as sickle cell anaemia, cancer, CAR-T cell therapy and cystic fibrosis.

"In my view, cell and gene therapy is going to become the next big frontier in medical science," Sood said.

He also highlighted the need for India to step up investment in advanced medical technologies, biotechnology and innovation-based research. Such efforts, he said, would enable the country not only to address global health challenges but also to play a leading role in the field of medical science.

The remarks come in the context of the upcoming Emerging Technologies, Innovation and Science Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, which the Prime Minister will inaugurate and which will feature a range of contemporary science and technology themes.