What is NexCAR19 / CAR T-cell therapy?

NexCAR19 is India’s first indigenous CAR T-cell therapy, developed to treat certain types of blood cancers, specifically B-cell lymphomas and B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This innovative treatment involves modifying a patient’s own T cells to target and destroy cancer cells.

Key Features of NexCAR19:

• Effectiveness: Clinical trials have shown that approximately 70% of patients respond to NexCAR19 treatment, with some achieving complete remission.
• Reduced Side Effects: NexCAR19 utilizes a “humanized” chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), which may lead to fewer side effects compared to other CAR T-cell therapies. Studies indicate lower incidences of neurotoxicity and cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
• Affordability: Developed by ImmunoACT, a spin-off from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, NexCAR19 is expected to be more affordable than existing CAR T-cell therapies, making it accessible to a broader patient population in India.

Approval and Availability:

In October 2023, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) approved NexCAR19 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas and B-ALL. This approval marks a significant milestone in India’s medical landscape, offering a cutting-edge treatment option for patients with these challenging cancers.

Implications for Cancer Treatment in India:

The development and approval of NexCAR19 demonstrate India’s growing capabilities in advanced medical research and biotechnology. By providing a cost-effective and locally produced CAR T-cell therapy, NexCAR19 has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with certain blood cancers and reduce the financial burden associated with cancer treatment.