Q: I need a list of organizations in India working on gene therapy?

A:The Department of Bio-Technology (DBT), Govt. of India has initiated a programme in the area of human genetics and genome analysis and related technology development in India. The main objective is to develop basic capabilities, strengthen existing institutions which have good expertise in this area and other institutions with expertise in related areas to initiate work in molecular genetics to take up some application-oriented projects to reduce the burden of genetic disorders in the country. The following three major areas have been identified a) human genome - India’s initiative, b) human genome diversity and c) minton and gene therapy and bioethics. It has established sixteen genetic diagnosis-cum-counselling units that have been providing molecular diagnosis and counseling for the common genetic disorders such as beta-thalassaemia, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), hemoglobinopathies and neurogenetic disorders prevalent in the country, to the affected families. The Department has developed specific guidelines to initiate gene therapy projects in the country. Some of the institutions are: CMC, Vellore Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata, LVPEI, Hyderabad CDFD, Hyderabad ISI, IICB and SINP, Kolkata Delhi University South Campus IIT, Delhi NBRC, Gurgaon Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai. IISc., Banglaore You need to write to the Director, Department of Bio-Technology for the list of institutions and the specific information that you require. The address is: Director, Department of Bio-Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Block - 2, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi- 110 003 Telephone : 011- 24362950, 24362982, 24360064 Fax: 011-24362884 I hope this helps.