Biotechnology in India

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was established in 1986 under the Ministry of Science and Technology to promote research and development in biotechnology in India.

Dr. M. S. Swaminathan is known as the 'Father of Indian Biotechnology' for his pioneering work in agricultural research and development, particularly in the field of high-yielding crop varieties.

Bengaluru is known as the 'Biotech Hub of India' due to its concentration of biotechnology companies, research institutions, and skilled workforce in the field.

Covaxin is India's first indigenously developed recombinant DNA vaccine, developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Biocon is a leading Indian company in the production of biosimilars, which are similar versions of existing biological drugs.

Bt cotton was India's first genetically modified (GM) crop, approved for commercial cultivation in 2002.

Dr. Lalitha Vijayan is known for her work on genetic engineering and the development of transgenic plants, including the development of India's first transgenic cotton plant.

Tocilizumab is India's first indigenously developed monoclonal antibody drug, approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

Serum Institute of India is a leading Indian company in the production of vaccines, including the world's largest producer of measles vaccines.

Stempeucel is India's first indigenously developed stem cell therapy, approved for the treatment of critical limb ischemia.

Dr. T. Jacob John is known for his work on the development of low-cost diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, including the Typhidot test for typhoid fever.

ZyCoV-D is India's first indigenously developed DNA vaccine, approved for the prevention of COVID-19.

Reliance Industries is a leading Indian company in the production of biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel.

mRNA-1273 is India's first indigenously developed mRNA vaccine, approved for the prevention of COVID-19.