The recent weeks have sparked discussions on cell and gene therapies (CGT) in India, focusing on their potential as treatments and India’s role in manufacturing these products at a fraction of the global cost.
Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, a cancer physician and author, highlighted the importance of cutting costs without compromising quality when discussing the CAR-T journey at Immuneel Therapeutics. Immuneel recently launched its first CAR-T product for adult B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) at a significantly reduced cost compared to the US prices. Amit Mookim, CEO of Immuneel, mentioned that they had managed to bring the cost down by at least 90% of the US cost and were working on further reductions.
In December 2023, another indigenous CAR-T product was commercialized through a collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and ImmunoAct. Despite being priced at around ₹40 lakh, which is one-tenth of the global price, it is still considered expensive. The industry calls for a mission-focused approach to support synthetic biological products, enabling more research into emerging therapies and lowering costs for patients.
The CGT landscape in India includes major pharmaceutical companies and startups like Aurigene Oncology, Immuneel, ImmunoAct, SunAct, Nkure, East Ocyon Bio, and Cellogen Therapeutics. While the two CAR-T products currently available in India are autologous, research is also progressing on allogeneic products that utilize cells from healthy donors for off-the-shelf therapies.
Dr. Vijay Patil, Founder of SunAct Cancer Institute, highlighted the potential of gamma delta T-cell therapy for solid tumors, with the company initiating Phase 2 clinical trials for this approach. However, to catch up with global advancements, industry experts like Dr. Prem Pavoor and Prof. Ratnesh Jain emphasize the need for more affordable CAR-T therapies and a mission-mode approach to support synthetic biological products.
In conclusion, while CAR-T therapies offer promising outcomes for patients with specific cancers, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. By prioritizing research, innovation, and affordability, India can establish itself as a key player in the CGT landscape.
