The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, launched India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at IIT Bombay on April 4, 2024. This groundbreaking treatment, called ‘CAR-T cell therapy’, is a major breakthrough in the battle against cancer.
Affordable and Accessible Treatment
Speaking at the event, President Murmu hailed the therapy as a new hope for humanity as it is both accessible and affordable. She expressed confidence that the innovative treatment will give new life to countless patients suffering from cancer.
A Phenomenal Advance in Medical Science
The President emphasized that CAR-T cell therapy is considered one of the most phenomenal advances in medical science. While it has been available in developed nations for some time, the therapy was extremely costly and beyond the reach of most patients worldwide. However, the newly launched therapy is the world’s most affordable CAR-T cell therapy.
‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
President Murmu highlighted that India’s first CAR-T cell therapy is not only an example of the ‘Make in India’ initiative but also a shining example of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) campaign. She praised the therapy’s development as a collaborative effort between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and industry partner ImmunoACT.
Academia-Industry Partnership
The President commended the partnership between academia and industry as a praiseworthy example that should inspire more such efforts. She also acknowledged IIT Bombay’s focus on research and development over the last three decades, which made this breakthrough possible.
Benefiting from Technological Revolution
President Murmu expressed confidence that with the knowledge base and skills of the faculty and students of IIT Bombay and other similar institutions, India as a whole would greatly benefit from the ongoing technological revolution.
The launch of India’s first home-grown gene therapy for cancer marks a significant milestone in the country’s fight against the deadly disease, offering affordable and accessible treatment to patients across the globe.