India launches first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy to treat cancer

Speaking at the launch event of NexCAR19 therapy at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted that the development of the therapy is an example of the “Make in India” initiative, reflecting the prowess of Indian scientists and doctors. The President also said that this therapy is considered one of the extraordinary advances in medical science, which is not only accessible and affordable but also brings new hope to the entire humanity.

Developed by IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Centre, this gene-based therapy is expected to help cure various types of cancer while significantly reducing the cost of treatment.

CAR-T cell therapy is an extremely expensive treatment and is out of reach for the vast majority of people, said Sudeep Gupta, director of the Tata Memorial Centre. However, NexCAR19 has been launched at approximately one-tenth of the current price outside India. IIT Bombay director Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri said the cost of similar cancer treatment abroad would be around $480,000.

According to Mr. Gupta, the creation and deployment of NexCAR19 is a historic milestone in the field of cancer treatment and genetic engineering.