Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct?
- Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.
- Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.
- Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Genetic medicines (gene therapy, mRNA, siRNA, CRISPR) work by replacing, repairing or silencing faulty genes responsible for disease (1 correct). They are delivered using vectors such as engineered viruses (AAV, lentivirus) or lipid nanoparticles, as seen in mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2 correct). Statement 3 is wrong: genetic medicines target specific genes or transcripts and do not rewrite the entire DNA sequence — that would be neither feasible nor safe. Hence 1 and 2 only. Read more: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): UN Agency, 26 Treaties, Genetic Resources Treaty 2024, and India’s Position.