Govt signs agreement to develop new CAR-T therapy for Multiple Myeloma
New Delhi, May 14
The Technology Development Board, Department of Science and Technology, has entered into an agreement with Helix Cell Therapeutics Private Limited for the development of a novel dual-targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma and conducting a Phase I clinical trial.
The project, titled "Generation of Novel Dual Targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells to Treat Multiple Myeloma and Conducting Phase I Clinical Trial", is being implemented under an Indo-Singapore collaborative framework in partnership with Biocell Innovations.
According to the agreement, the project will focus on developing advanced dual-targeting CAR-T cell therapy for Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer. The therapy will target both BCMA and CD19 markers expressed on Multiple Myeloma cells to improve treatment outcomes and durability of remission. Under the project, Helix Cell Therapeutics will develop, manufacture and clinically evaluate next-generation CAR-T cells through a Phase I clinical trial for patients who have exhausted multiple treatment options.
Speaking on the development, Secretary TDB Rajesh Kumar Pathak said, "Advanced cell and gene therapies represent the future of precision healthcare and hold transformative potential for treating complex and previously incurable diseases."
He added that the Indo-Singapore collaborative project will support indigenous innovation in immunotherapy platforms and strengthen India's position in next-generation biotechnology and affordable healthcare solutions.
Through this Indo-Singaporean collaborative project, TDB is supporting indigenous innovation in advanced immunotherapy platforms that can strengthen India's global position in next-generation biotechnology and affordable healthcare solutions."
The project aligns with the government's focus on strengthening indigenous capabilities in advanced biologics, precision medicine and next-generation healthcare technologies under the framework of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
A representative of Helix Cell Therapeutics said the collaboration with TDB would accelerate clinical translation and commercialisation of the CAR-T therapy platform and expand access to advanced cancer treatment solutions in the country.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is promising but I hope the government also ensures this therapy reaches common people at reasonable cost. CAR-T treatments abroad cost crores. If we're developing it here, we must make it accessible. Also, Phase I trials are just the start - we need long-term data on safety and efficacy. Still, it's a step in the right direction for precision medicine in cancer care 🇮🇳
As someone who has seen the devastation of multiple myeloma in my family, any progress in CAR-T therapy is welcome news. The dual-targeting concept targeting both BCMA and CD19 could address the issue of antigen escape that limits current therapies. India's investment in cell and gene therapy is commendable. I'll be following this trial closely from Singapore where I work. Let's hope for durable remissions.
Honestly, while this sounds good on paper, I'm skeptical about how quickly it will reach patients. India's clinical trial infrastructure for cell therapies is still developing. We need more clarity on timelines, patient recruitment criteria, and costs. Also, the government should invest in manufacturing capabilities at scale. But credit where due - the TDB is supporting cutting-edge research and that's worthy of appreciation. Let's see how this unfolds.
Brilliant to see India and Singapore collaborating on next-generation cancer therapies! CAR-T has shown remarkable results in blood cancers globally. The dual-targeting approach is particularly exciting because it could prevent relapse. Hope Helix Cell Therapeutics has strong manufacturing capabilities and quality control. This is exactly the kind of biotech innovation that can position India as a global hub for affordable healthcare solutions.
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