Mineral based gene therapy has curative powers

"In gene repair therapy a person has to soak oneself in mineral enriched water for over an hour. The minerals are absorbed through the skin and repair the genes affected by age and disease," V K Tripathi, head of pharmaceutical firm Khandelwal Laboratories told PTI.

The company has sought a patent for the technology and it's application is presently with the Food and Drug Administration in the US.

Only after the FDA's approval it can be used for mass treatment, he said. He termed the development a "breakthrough" but it would be five to ten years before it becomes commercially available.

After the age of about 25 years the genes in the human body begin to get damaged as a result of which the body becomes weaker with age and is more prone to various ailments including those like cancer, Tripathi said.

"The absorption of the minerals helps repair the damaged genes. This makes the body stronger and able to resist the effects of ailments like cancer and ageing," he said.

The scientist claimed that the advantage of gene repair therapy was unlike other forms of treatment for cancer, like chemotherapy, and this method had no side effects.

Even if one does not get fully cured by the treatment there is a guarantee of no side effects and improved energy levels unlike other forms of treatment, Tripathi said.