Synopsis
Immuneel Therapeutics has unveiled Qartemi, the first affordable CAR T-cell therapy in India for treating B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. This innovative treatment utilizes the patient's immune cells to combat cancer, presenting a cost-effective alternative to existing therapies.Key Takeaways
- Launch of Qartemi for B-NHL in India.
- Personalized therapy utilizing patient’s immune cells.
- Cost-effective solution, one-tenth the price of US counterparts.
- Approved by CDSCO and licensed by HCB.
- Clinical trials show comparable safety and efficacy to USFDA therapies.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Bengaluru-based cell and gene therapy start-up Immuneel Therapeutics has officially launched Qartemi—the first personalized and precision CAR T-cell therapy in the country aimed at treating B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL) in adult patients.
B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) is a form of blood cancer that impacts the B cells within the lymphatic system. This type of lymphoma represents the most prevalent form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in India, making up approximately 80-85% of all diagnosed cases.
Qartemi has received approval from the Indian regulatory body, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and offers a tailored treatment option for adults suffering from relapsed or refractory B-NHL. Additionally, it has been licensed by Spain’s Hospital Clinic de Barcelona (HCB), an esteemed institution known for its advancements in cell therapy.
Developed locally in Bengaluru, Qartemi (varnimcabtagene autoleucel - IMN-003A) utilizes a patient’s own immune cells to effectively target and eradicate cancer cells, providing renewed hope for those facing aggressive blood cancers. It has shown the potential for achieving lasting remission in cases where traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy, have failed.
Significantly, the therapy is priced at just one-tenth of a similar product available in the United States, according to the company.
“Since our founding in 2019, Immuneel has committed to delivering innovative and affordable life-saving cancer therapies that would otherwise be beyond reach,” stated Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Board Director & Co-Founder of Immuneel Therapeutics.
“With Qartemi, our flagship CAR T-cell therapy, we aspire to revolutionize cancer treatment in India by making globally advanced, personalized therapies accessible at a reasonable cost,” added Mazumdar-Shaw.
Founded in 2019, Immuneel commenced trials for India’s inaugural CAR T-cell therapy in 2022, focusing on a novel autologous CD19-directed CAR-T cell therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory B cell malignancies. This trial took place across various medical facilities, including PGIMER in Chandigarh and others in Bengaluru and Chennai.
The CD19-directed genetically modified autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy involves altering a patient’s T-cells to specifically target and destroy malignant cells. Clinical trial data from both India and Spain indicate that the safety and effectiveness of Qartemi are comparable to CAR T-cell therapies that have received USFDA approval.
“The introduction of Qartemi signifies a crucial milestone in India’s battle against cancer. By merging world-class research in CAR-T cell therapy with local manufacturing, we are offering fresh hope to patients contending with aggressive blood cancers,” remarked Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, Board Director & Co-Founder of Immuneel Therapeutics.
