In a moment of promise for cancer patients, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled India’s first domestically produced and affordable gene therapy, “CAR-T cell therapy,” at IIT Bombay. President Murmu expressed confidence in the treatment’s potential to offer renewed hope to countless patients, marking a significant advancement in healthcare innovation under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Developed through collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and industry partner ImmunoACT, the CAR-T cell therapy signifies a commendable academia-industry partnership, bringing cutting-edge medical technology within reach of Indian patients. President Murmu highlighted India’s growing prowess in technological innovation, facilitated by the expertise of institutions like IIT Bombay.
CAR-T cell therapy, a form of immunotherapy and gene therapy, involves sophisticated genetic engineering to enhance the patient’s immune cells, particularly T cells, for combating cancer. President Murmu lauded the efforts of Indian scientists and physicians in developing this therapy, underscoring its approval in October 2023 as a testament to India’s scientific capabilities.
With cancer claiming a significant number of lives worldwide, including 14.6 lakh in India in 2022, the introduction of this therapy signifies a crucial milestone in advancing medical care in the country. President Murmu stressed that it positions India on the global stage of advanced healthcare and aligns with the nation’s trajectory toward healthcare innovation.
