At the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, President Droupadi Murmu revealed NexCAR19, the nation’s first domestically produced anti-cancer CAR-T cell therapy, marking a significant milestone for the country’s medical landscape. This innovative treatment, created by Professor Rahul Purwar and his group at the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay, represents a critical turning point in the fight against cancer and demonstrates the effectiveness of industry-academia cooperation in fostering innovation.
The launch event, which was attended by Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais and other dignitaries, presented the results of a great deal of research, clinical trials, and cooperation between academic institutions, entrepreneurs, and healthcare facilities. With its development in collaboration with Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Centre, NexCAR19 CAR-T therapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, providing patients in India and beyond with both hope and affordability.
President Murmu praised the effort and emphasized that CAR-T cell treatment is a significant development in the field of medicine. Although this treatment has been available in industrialized countries, many patients around the world are unable to get it due to its exorbitant cost. But the 90% cost reduction of NexCAR19 therapy breaks down barriers and makes it the most economical CAR-T cell therapy available globally. In addition to helping patients, this accomplishment highlights India’s dedication to independence through programs like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
The launch event’s joyous atmosphere demonstrated the importance of this achievement. The director of IIT Bombay, Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri, praised it as a tremendous accomplishment that solidifies India’s position as a leader in cell and gene therapy worldwide. The relationship between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and Prof. Purwar’s business, ImmunoACT, highlights the potential of interdisciplinary alliances to spur innovation and enhance healthcare results.
The Tata Memorial Center’s director, Dr. Sudeep Gupta, praised the product’s price and potential for saving lives. He expressed optimism that greater research and development in this area would result in the creation of cell and gene therapy products that will help patients with a variety of cancers.
The development of NexCAR19 CAR-T therapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer and given patients who had few treatment options because of financial limitations a glimmer of hope. This therapy’s cost not only allows it to be used by a larger number of patients, but it also establishes a standard for other advancements in the healthcare industry.
This accomplishment emphasizes the value of funding research and development and encourages partnerships between academic institutions, business, and healthcare providers. It emphasizes how important organizations like IIT Bombay are to advancing scientific discoveries that directly improve society.
Initiatives like NexCAR19 CAR-T therapy, which embodies the spirit of innovation, affordability, and accessibility in medical science, serve as beacons of success as India advances in its quest for excellence in healthcare and innovation. In addition to being a huge accomplishment, the introduction of this therapy opens the door to better things in the field of cancer treatment and beyond.
SOURCE:
THE INDIAN EXPRESS
