NexCAR19: Advancing Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy in India

Cell and gene therapies are transforming cancer treatment by offering targeted approaches for patients with limited therapeutic options. Among these, Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a major advancement, using a patient's own immune cells that are genetically engineered to identify and destroy cancer cells.

India marked a significant milestone in this field with the development of NexCAR19, the country's first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Developed by ImmunoACT, the therapy received support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), reflecting the growing role of public-supported innovation in advancing affordable healthcare technologies.

Originating from research at IIT Bombay and incubated through the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) and BIRAC's BioNEST programme, ImmunoACT has built capabilities in developing cell and gene therapies for blood cancers, while expanding research towards solid tumours and other therapeutic applications.

The development of NexCAR19 has also contributed to strengthening India's cell and gene therapy ecosystem.

The development of NexCAR19 represents an important step in building India's capabilities in advanced biotherapeutics and precision medicine. It also highlights how collaboration among research institutions, biotechnology startups and government agencies can accelerate the development of indigenous healthcare technologies with the potential to improve patient access to advanced cancer treatment.

Source: https://immunoact.com/about-us/