First Personalised CRISPR-based Successful gene-editing Therapy in an Infant First Personalised CRISPR-based Successful gene-editing Therapy in an Infant Content Editor: Dr. Harshita May 23, 2025 Nature Journal Gene-editing therapy, genetic disorder The first successful gene-editing therapy promises an optimistic future for children diagnosed with genetic disorders. CRISPR , short for C lustered R egularly I nterspaced S hort P alindromic R epeats, is a gene-editing technology that helps scientists to modify DNA selectively. KJ Muldoon, the name of the first infant to receive such a therapy, was diagnosed with CPS-1 deficiency after experiencing lethargy and difficulty in breathing. Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase - 1 (CPS-1) deficiency is a urea cycle disorder that leads to high ammonia levels in the body due to a lack of the CPS-1 enzyme that converts ammonia to urea. Complications include multiple organ damage due to accumulation of ammonia, such as liver damage requiring a transplant, irreversible brain injury, and death, with mortality as high as 50%. The children usually do not survive long enough to receive the transplant. CRISPR-based scissors can precisely scan through the genetic code and pinpoint the exact error and correct it. Animal testing was conducted prior to the human experiment, for which researchers took FDA approval. Baby Muldoon received 3 doses of infusion in February, March, and April, which led to a decrease in doses of medicine and ammonia levels, helping baby Muldoon gain weight. The infant suffered two viral infections, vomiting and diarrhea post-infusion, but without causing a shoot-up in his ammonia levels. There were no serious side effects reported. Parents were relieved as medicine doses were halved with an increase in proteins in his diet, leading to weight gain. These therapies hold great promise for future generations , offering hope to parents of affected children through the potential of gene therapy, but more research is needed to know if they can be widely applied. Click here to read more.

🍁 Major happenings in Public Health 🍁 Hear from the Masters 🍁 Public Health Anecdotes 🍁 Youth led Community Action  🍁 Innovative practices in Public Health 🍁 Eminent Personalities in Public Health 🔮 Stay Tuned 🔮 🔮 Magazine is Live 🔮 Public Health Chronicle - Magazine Live Now Highlights of the Issue-4 , January 2024 🍁 Major Happenings in Public Health (October - December, 2023) a) Health Programme Updates b) Recent outbreaks c) Important Health Days Observed d) Recently Published Guidelines 🍁 Hear from the Masters : Dr. Sutapa Bandyopadhyay Neogi - Director, IIHMR Delhi. 🍁 Public Health Anecdotes - Glimpses from the field Redefining Public Health in the Digital Era: Harnessing Opportunities, Mitigating Risks - Dr. Sankalp Rai Choudhary Opinions: The Ripple effect- In Indian Public Health - Dr. Sampriti Paul Nikshay Mitra – Mantra For Happiness - Dr. Ramalakshami C S 🍁 Youth-led Community Action Swasthaya Plus NeoDocs 🍁 Innovative & Sustainable practices in Public Health Hope on the Horizon of Primary Care in Tamilnadu- Nishanth K, Selvavinayagam TS 🍁 Stories of Public health role models Padma Vibhushan Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak “Toilet - A sanitation and health revolution of India” 🔮 Live Now 🔮 Already Subscribed - Check WhatsApp New Subscriber? Register now for your free subscription? Subscribe Now

WHO technical advisory group on biosafety: Summary of the annual meeting WHO technical advisory group on biosafety: Summary of the annual meeting Content Editor: Dr. Ghurumourthy July 1, 2024 Weekly Epidemiological Record, World Health Organization Biosafety, International health, Biosecurity The WHO Technical Advisory Group on Biosafety (TAG-B) held its annual meeting in September 2023. The summary of the meeting is as follows: The group reviewed recent work and set priorities for 2024-2025. Updates included revisions to WHO laboratory biosecurity guidance and a new World Health Assembly resolution. Emphasis was placed on inclusive, consensus-based standards for low-resource settings. Presentations highlighted the need for regional collaboration and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Regional focal points discussed diverse capacities and challenges in biosafety and biosecurity. TAG-B identified priorities such as increasing global attention, promoting transparency, and enhancing capacity-building efforts. The group stressed the importance of ongoing improvement and collaboration among stakeholders. Click here to read more.