New Delhi, May 14 (APAC Media): In a major step towards strengthening India’s advanced healthcare sector, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed an agreement with Helix Cell Therapeutics Private Limited, Hyderabad, Telangana.
The project focuses on developing a new CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer that is currently considered difficult to cure. The initiative is being carried out under an Indo-Singapore partnership with Biocell Innovations, Singapore.
Focus on Advanced Cancer Treatment
The new therapy is designed to target two cancer markers, BCMA and CD19, at the same time. Existing CAR-T therapies mainly target only one marker, but the new dual-targeting approach is expected to improve effectiveness of the treatment.
What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?
CAR-T cell therapy is an advanced form of cancer treatment in which a patient’s own immune cells, known as T cells, are genetically modified to identify and destroy cancer cells.
The project aims to develop, manufacture and clinically test the new dual-targeting CAR-T cells through a Phase I clinical trial. Experts believe the technology could become a major advancement in the treatment of difficult blood cancers.
TDB Secretary Highlights Importance of Advanced Therapies
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, said advanced cell and gene therapies represent the future of precision healthcare and have the potential to treat diseases that were previously considered incurable.
“Through this Indo-Singapore collaborative project, TDB is supporting indigenous innovation in advanced immunotherapy platforms that can strengthen India’s position in next-generation biotechnology and affordable healthcare solutions,” the Secretary remarked.
The initiative supports the Government of India’s broader vision of promoting indigenous innovation in biotechnology, precision medicine and advanced healthcare technologies under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Officials said the collaboration also highlights growing scientific and technology cooperation between India and Singapore in the field of biomedical innovation.
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