President of India launches India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer
President of India, Droupadi Murmu, launched India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at IIT Bombay. In her address, the President highlighted that the launch of India’s first gene therapy marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against cancer. Named “CAR-T cell therapy”, this treatment is not only accessible and affordable but also provides new hope for humankind. She expressed confidence that it will successfully offer new lives to countless patients.
CAR-T cell therapy is considered one of the most remarkable advances in medical science. While it has been available in developed nations for some time, its high cost has made it out of reach for most patients worldwide. The President was pleased to announce that the therapy being launched in India is the world’s most affordable CAR-T cell therapy. She emphasized that it is a shining example of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and reflects India’s self-reliant stance.
The President commended the collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and industry partner ImmunoACT for developing India’s first CAR-T cell therapy. This partnership exemplifies academia-industry collaboration and serves as an inspiration for similar efforts.
IIT Bombay’s reputation as a model of technology education was also lauded by the President. She highlighted that the development of CAR-T cell therapy not only harnesses technology for the benefit of humanity but also demonstrates successful partnerships with eminent institutions and industries. This achievement underscores the focus IIT Bombay has placed on research and development over the past three decades, benefitting India’s technological revolution.
