Stem Cell Research In India: Poor Numbers, Lack Of Adequate Funds; Ways To Improve

Mallika's tale was an eye-opener to the world of Indian medical science. The 27-year-old had met with an accident and was suffering from a severe disability for over a year. On March 18, 2009, Mallika had undergone a brain stem cell transplant surgery at a hospital in Bengaluru. The surgery was successful, and she was discharged on April 3, 2009. Experts said that before this incident, only China had attempted such forms of treatment. In a nutshell, the incident did highlight the scope of stem cell therapy in India.

The Progress So Far

Over the years, stem cell research has been crucial in the treatment of various diseases such as Parkinson's disease, heart failure, Alzheimer's disease and even diabetes. According to Dr S. Ramaswamy, Dean, inStem, Bengaluru, the LV Prasad Eye Institute at Hyderabad is a pioneer in an area of stem cell research related to eye disorders, especially that of the cornea.

Where Does India Stand?

In a survey conducted by Ernst and Young, India was ranked third in the area of biotechnology. Biotechnology includes agricultural and stem cell research as well. Researchers believe that the ranks, so derived stated in the survey could be due to India's progress in agricultural research. The ranks, according to them, do not imply that the India tops the charts in the field of stem cell research. 

Research Publications By India 

Senior researchers state that the number of publications that India contributes in the area of stem cells is quite low in comparison to other nations like China or even South Korea.

"In terms of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, this is not true. Nor is it true in terms of patents in biotechnology. The statement does not seem convincing considering the contribution to GDP. Then, again, this can be skewed by calling regular agriculture as biotechnology. In terms of funding for research and development this is not true. There are countries that do better than India -  intuitively to me in the Asia-Pacific region would be (not in any particular order), Japan, China, Australia, Singapore, South Korea," said Dr Ramaswamy, Dean, inStem, Bengaluru, India.

The following table published on https://journals.plos.org gives insights into the number of publications produced by stem cell researchers in India.

The Hurdles That Hamper Work

Despite the research scenario having improved over the past ten years,  scenario has improved significantly, the number of people pursuing stem cell research in India is minuscule compared to most other countries, which have specialized stem cell research programs.

What Could Be The Reasons Behind The Poor Statistics?

Researchers seem to be facing a lot of issues due to lack of adequate funds. Over the past ten years, the funding allocated for stem cell research has reduced drastically due to stricter and regulated norms.

According to Dr Anuradha Vaidya, Deputy Director, Symbiosis School of Biomedical Sciences, Symbiosis International University, Pune, Maharashtra, India, the current status of stem cell research in India is productive, yet challenging. Till now the focus of research has been purely on basic sciences. However, the focus should now be on "bench to bedside" approach. How could a common man benefit from such advanced level of research is something that should be continuously thought over and over by researchers. We are good in basic research, but the application part is missing. It is important that researchers keep taking important cues from basic research; however without translational research, it is impossible to develop and commercialize the use of stem cell products in future explains Anuradha. 

Product Development And Stem Cell Research - The Time Factor

The product development process in the field of stem cell research does take several years. This is primarily due to the fact nothing concrete seems to have evolved with regards to several aspects of such therapy. One of these aspects is the number of stem cells that are required for treatment.

Note: The art of storing stem cells: These cells are frozen and are preserved with the help of extenders, most often nitrogen. Theoretically, it should last till the end of eternity or till the liquid nitrogen lasts. This could also have an impact on the product development process.

Another fact that could delay the product development process could be that the research revolves around the lives of western part of the world. "Indians have a different body constituency. So, the research need not necessarily yield favorable results among Indians," explains Dr Radhakrishnan, Head of the Division, Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Rajiv Gandhi Center of Biotechnology in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

Suggestions As Per The Experts' Request 

Stem cell research should be treated at par with other types of medical research. It could be noted that the last antibiotic was prepared over 20 years ago. Since then, nothing new has been introduced in for the benefit of the public. Similarly, instead of binding stem cell scientists to a time-frame of not more than three years, they should be granted an initial time frame of nine years so as to do justice to the research work.
A new strategy for funding could be implemented. Researchers should be granted funds for a minimum of nine years instead of three years. This should be irrespective of the stage of product's development. By doing so, the researcher and the other authorities would be able to assess their progress in the work they have undertaken. The next allot of funds could be determined based upon the progress that they have made.

The work of the scientist could be monitored from time to time. An ideal assessment system could even include provisions for penalizing the researcher for not meeting the terms and conditions that have been set.

Lastly, research publications could be made available in the local dialects as well. "It is important for the public to know more about the work we do. Unless and until we can pen our findings down in the lingua franca, our work will go unnoticed," added Radhakrishnan.

There are several factors - both external and internal that determine the state of stem cell research in India. Moreover, stem cell therapy is expensive. Thus, the questions of surrounding its feasibility as a cure to diseases remain answered. Then again, unless there is more productive research, one would never know if the option could be accessible to all.