The Indian pharmaceutical industry is at the forefront of a transformative effort to make CAR-T cell therapy more affordable and accessible, offering renewed hope to cancer patients nationwide. This cutting-edge treatment, particularly effective against blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma, has remained prohibitively expensive due to its complex manufacturing process and high international pricing. However, Indian biotech firms and policymakers are driving initiatives to bridge this gap and ensure wider availability.
CAR-T cell therapy, a groundbreaking form of cancer treatment, involves genetically modifying a patient’s T cells to target and destroy cancerous cells. Despite its promise, its exorbitant cost has been a major roadblock in India. Global pharmaceutical giants such as Novartis and Gilead currently offer CAR-T cell treatments at an estimated cost of Rs. 3 to 4 crore per patient, making it financially out of reach for most.
Dr Aravind Badiger, technical director at BDR Pharmaceuticals, acknowledges these challenges but remains optimistic about India’s progress in this domain. “The financial burden of CAR T cell therapy is undoubtedly immense. However, through indigenous research, government support, and strategic collaborations, we are working toward making this treatment available at a fraction of the current cost,” he says.
Indian biotech and pharmaceutical companies are actively working on innovative solutions to make CAR-T cell therapy both accessible and cost-effective. Indian companies, in collaboration with top-tier research institutions, are making strides in developing homegrown CAR-T cell therapies. ImmunoACT, in partnership with Tata Memorial Hospital, has already launched India’s first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy at a significantly reduced cost compared to imported alternatives.
Recognizing the revolutionary potential of CAR-T cell therapy, the Indian government has launched funding programs to support clinical trials and R&D efforts. Institutions such as the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) are providing grants to encourage the development of cost-effective solutions.
To reduce reliance on expensive imports, Indian pharma companies are setting up local manufacturing units. This move aims to significantly cut down costs while ensuring timely delivery of life-saving treatments.
Multiple hospitals and research institutions are actively conducting clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of locally developed CAR-T cell therapies. Successful trials will expedite regulatory approvals and facilitate commercial availability at reduced costs.
Collaboration between the government, research institutes, and private pharma companies is accelerating CAR-T cell therapy development. India is also exploring partnerships with global biotech firms to leverage advanced CAR-T cell technology at a fraction of its international price.
While these initiatives mark significant progress, several challenges remain like limited infrastructure and expertise. CAR-T cell therapy requires specialized facilities and highly trained personnel. Currently, only a few premier institutions, such as Tata Memorial Hospital, have initiated trials, limiting widespread accessibility.
India’s regulatory framework for gene and cell therapy is still evolving. Despite steps taken to streamline approvals, extensive clinical trials and safety evaluations are required before widespread adoption.
Dependence on foreign-developed CAR-T cell therapies drives up costs due to import duties and logistical expenses. Strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities is crucial to overcoming this barrier. Many oncologists and haematologists are still adapting to CAR-T cell therapy, and patient awareness remains relatively low.
“We are at the brink of a breakthrough. The coming years will be crucial in determining how effectively we can integrate this life-saving treatment into our healthcare system. Our goal is to ensure that no patient is denied access to this revolutionary therapy due to financial constraints,” Dr. Badiger asserts.
source : Pharmabiz
