A new “living drug” called Qartemi has been approved in India for blood cancer patients, specifically those with advanced or relapsed B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL). Developed by Immuneel Therapeutics, a biotech startup from Bengaluru, Qartemi is a type of CAR-T cell therapy that aims to offer hope to patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.
This therapy is the second CAR-T cell option authorized in India, following NexCAR19, which was developed at IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital. Unlike conventional drugs that are chemical compounds, Qartemi uses the patient’s own modified cells. These cells are taken out, genetically altered to recognize and attack cancer, and then reintroduced into the patient’s body.
Blood cancers are a growing concern in India, with approximately 120,000 new cases and over 70,000 deaths each year. Many patients struggle with standard treatments like chemotherapy, making Qartemi a crucial new option.
Immuneel Therapeutics was founded with support from notable figures like Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee. The company emphasizes that Qartemi is offered at a competitive price, between Rs 35 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, making it more accessible than similar therapies available internationally.
The clinical trials for Qartemi, known as the IMAGINE trial, began in 2022 and involved major medical centers. Results showed an impressive 83.3% overall response rate, demonstrating that the therapy is both safe and effective, comparable to FDA-approved CAR-T therapies.
Qartemi is backed by partnerships with several well-regarded hospitals in India, including Narayana Health and Apollo Hospitals, ensuring it reaches patients who need it most. This innovative therapy has been licensed from the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, a leader in cell therapy. As India’s first international CAR-T therapy, Qartemi brings new hope to blood cancer patients across the country.
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