India’s Breakthrough in Cancer Immunotherapy
NexCAR19 A Milestone in India’s Fight Against Cancer: NexCAR19, developed by ImmunoACT, marks India’s entry into the global league of advanced cancer immunotherapy. It is the country’s first indigenous CAR T-Cell therapy, designed to treat B-cell blood cancers that often resist conventional treatments. The therapy gained market authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in 2023, setting a benchmark for innovation in affordable cancer care.
Static GK fact: CDSCO functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and is India’s national regulatory authority for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
How CAR T-Cell Therapy Works
CAR stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor, a specially engineered protein added to T-cells—a type of white blood cell responsible for killing infected or cancerous cells. In this therapy, T-cells are extracted from the patient, genetically modified to target cancer cells, and then infused back into the body. These enhanced CAR-T cells then recognize and destroy tumor cells with remarkable precision.
This scientific advancement transforms the patient’s own immune system into a living drug capable of long-term cancer control.
The Role of ImmunoACT and Indian Collaboration
ImmunoACT, the biotech company behind NexCAR19, was incubated under IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital, two of India’s top institutions in science and medical research. The project was supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), both under the Government of India.
Static GK Tip: BIRAC was established in 2012 to promote biotech innovation through funding and industry-academia collaboration.
Benefits of NexCAR19
Unlike conventional cancer therapies, NexCAR19 offers shorter treatment duration and faster recovery. Patients avoid prolonged chemotherapy cycles or complex stem cell transplants. The sustained benefits of CAR-T cells, which persist in the body for years, significantly reduce the chance of relapse.
Another major advantage is cost-effectiveness. Imported CAR-T therapies cost between ₹3–4 crore, while NexCAR19 is priced much lower, making it accessible to a broader section of patients in India.
Static GK fact: India is among the few nations—alongside the US, China, and the UK—to successfully develop indigenous CAR-T therapy.
Challenges and Safety Measures
Despite its success, CAR-T therapy faces challenges. It is effective only for specific cancers and may cause Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS)—an immune overreaction that leads to fever or inflammation. Other side effects include neurological complications and risk of infections. To counter these, hospitals administering NexCAR19 follow strict monitoring and post-treatment care protocols.
This innovation represents a balance between cutting-edge science and affordable public health—making India a frontrunner in democratizing access to cancer immunotherapy.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
NexCAR19 A Milestone in India’s Fight Against Cancer:
| Topic | Detail |
| Therapy Name | NexCAR19 |
| Developed By | ImmunoACT (incubated under IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital) |
| Supported By | DBT and BIRAC |
| Year of Market Authorization | 2023 |
| Approved By | Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) |
| Type of Cancer Targeted | B-cell blood cancers |
| Core Mechanism | Genetically modified T-cells targeting cancer cells |
| Major Advantage | Lower cost and faster recovery |
| Key Side Effects | Cytokine Release Syndrome, neurological issues, infection risk |
| Global Relevance | Positions India among few countries with indigenous CAR-T therapy |
