India’s healthcare sector is buzzing with excitement as Immuno ACT prepares for the much-awaited launch of its low-cost blood cancer therapy in the next two months. Dr. Satyanarayan Chava, the CEO of Laurus Labs who is leading this revolutionary development, announced during the second quarter FY24 investor call on October 20 that the company is readying for commercial manufacturing plans and necessary licenses in India. It is noteworthy that Laurus Labs holds a sizable 34 percent stake in the startup, which originally received funding from IIT-Bombay.
Dr. Chava highlighted ImmunoACT’s goal to make a measurable difference by announcing plans to offer approximately 500 treatments each year from its current facility, with a larger facility expected to come online by March 2025, raising the capacity significantly to up to 2,500 treatments per annum. For more information about ImmunoACT, visit their website.
The approval of ImmunoACT’s humanized CD19-targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy product is a significant milestone for India’s medical progress. This pioneering treatment targets relapsed/refractory (r/r) B-cell lymphomas and leukemia, symbolizing India’s commitment to innovative medical solutions. The therapy is set to be offered at a modest price range of approximately Rs. 30-40 lakh to hospitals, a stark contrast to the exorbitant prices of comparable therapies worldwide, which can reach up to Rs. 3-4 crore.
It is essential to note that while Laurus Labs offers strategic guidance as a key member of the board of directors at Immuno ACT, it is not directly involved in the manufacturing of the CAR-T therapy. ImmunoACT’s tireless innovation led to the development of the groundbreaking product, with important clinical research conducted at the prestigious Tata Memorial Hospitals, signifying a cooperative spirit that continues to propel this pioneering initiative forward.
