Scientists claim to have developed artificial blood using plastic molecules with iron in their core. Cheap to produce and easy to store, the potential of such a venture is immense. In yet another announcement, a cure for cancer that does not damage normal cells but uses a protein that targets only cancer cells could be the ultimate find of this century. In animals the tests have showed that four kinds of cancers could be cured. A pill for obesity that has no side effects whatsoever but works simply by revving up the body’s metabolic activity could mean goodbye to workouts and punishing diets. Thirteen young diabetics in Brazil were able to stop receiving insulin after being treated with stem cells taken from their own blood. Cardiac master cells have been discovered that could repair a weak heart in a trice.
Amazing as it seems, some of the discoveries in medicine and biotechnology are nothing short of miracles. Even more heartening is the fact that India is not far behind the rest of the world in biotechnology research. While the national guidelines on stem cell research are still awaited, there are many research institutions and hospitals engaged in this area. Some have even recorded successes with clinical treatment. The Indian biotechnology industry has grown 28 per cent in two years and is poised to touch $ 5 billion by the end of the decade. It could very well be the leader in the field very soon. The pharmaceutical industry too is the world’s fourth largest and is growing at a fast pace. With the academic reputation in life sciences and a large pool of graduates emerging from the educational institutions, it can steer the industry towards innovative growth.
The infrastructure is on par with that available abroad. The challenge would be to ensure high standards of work at every step of research and development. This is an area of precision technology as much as in rocket science. One small compromise and crores of rupees and effort would go down the drain. Being an emerging area, there is also the opportunity for the country to be the leaders rather than followers. Indians have often been accused of being good theoreticians. Here is a chance to take benchside research to the bedside and also rake in the moolah. Our time has truly arrived.