India has made significant strides in bringing CAR-T cell therapy-a revolutionary, personalized immunotherapy-for blood cancers to its patients. As of 2025, the country has approved and offers multiple CAR-T therapies, making advanced cancer care more accessible and affordable compared to many Western nations.
Key Developments and Approvals
- NexCAR19: Developed by ImmunoACT (IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital), this was India’s first homegrown CAR-T cell therapy. It is approved for a broad range of B-cell cancers, including B-cell lymphomas and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).
- Qartemi: Launched by Immuneel Therapeutics, Qartemi is the second CAR-T cell therapy approved in India, specifically designed for adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL).
- Indian biotech firm Cellogen Therapeutics is developing a bi-specific 3rd generation CAR-T cell therapy, aiming to further reduce costs and improve outcomes. Clinical trials are being planned in collaboration with Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore.
How CAR-T Therapy Works
- Patient’s T-cells are extracted and genetically engineered in a laboratory to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that target cancer cells.
- These modified cells are multiplied and then reinfused into the patient, where they seek out and destroy cancer cells.
Hospitals Offering CAR-T Therapy
- Apollo Cancer Centres (Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai)
- Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai)
- Manipal Hospitals (Bengaluru)
- Max Healthcare (Delhi)
- Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (Delhi)
- Amrita Hospital (Kochi)
- Artemis Hospital (Gurgaon)
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurgaon)
- Medanta The Medicity (Gurugram)
Cost and Accessibility
- The cost of CAR-T therapy in India is approximately ₹38.5 lakh to ₹75 lakh (about $45,000–$85,000), including hospital fees.
- This is significantly lower than in the US or Europe, where costs can exceed ₹3–4 crore ($400,000+).
- India’s relatively affordable pricing and growing expertise have made it a destination for international patients, especially from the Gulf, Africa, and parts of Europe.
Our visit APBMT Hematology conference. Kochi 2022
Patient Eligibility and Outcomes
- CAR-T therapy is primarily offered to patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell blood cancers, such as certain leukemias and lymphomas, who have not responded to conventional treatments.
- Success rates at leading Indian hospitals are reported to be over 80% for certain indications.
- The therapy is available for adults and adolescents above 15 years old at most centers.
Publication date: May 2025
Sources:
indiatoday.in
apollohospitals.com
moneycontrol.com
indiatoday.in
indiatoday.in
newindianexpress.com
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
