Max Healthcare on Tuesday launched the Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T Cell Therapy. According to a press statement, it is a cutting-edge treatment for specific types of cancers and it will be available at all its hospital in Delhi-NCR.
In CAR-T therapy, patients’ own immune cells are genetically engineered in the laboratory to make them capable of fighting cancer. As part of the treatment, a specific type of white blood cells called T cells are modified in the lab so they can target and destroy cancer cells.
The sourcing of CAR T cells for this therapy is done in collaboration with ImmunoACT, an IIT Bombay-incubated company. Last month, ImmunoACT received Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation’s (CDSO) marketing authorisation approval for its CAR-T cell therapy product for relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas and leukaemia in India.
“The introduction of CAR T-cell therapy at Max Healthcare marks a significant leap in our commitment to providing cutting edge care for cancer patients. This innovative approach reflects our continuous endeavor to push the boundaries of cancer treatment, offering patients the most advanced therapeutic options available,” Dr. Harit K Chaturvedi, Chairman, Max Institute of Cancer Care said in a statement.
Also known as a “living drug,” this therapy provides enduring benefits and is recommended for those not able to undergo a stem cell transplant or post-transplant relapse. Compared to conventional therapy, this requires a brief, single-infusion treatment, enhancing the quality of life for many patients with an average of two weeks of in-patient care, the doctors claimed.
“CAR-T Cell therapy is a revolutionary product now available for patients in India. We are proud to partner with Max Healthcare to launch this life-saving product for patient in India. Patients in India and countries with limited resources will now have access to this life-saving drug at an affordable cost. The indigenously-developed product will put the country on the world map of advanced cell-and-gene therapies,” Shirish Arya, Co-founder, and Director – Strategy & Business Development, ImmunoACT said.