India has achieved a major milestone in the fight against blood cancer with the approval of a "living drug" for patients in advanced or relapsed stages of the disease. Immuneel Therapeutics, a Bengaluru-based biotech company, has introduced Qartemi, a CAR-T cell therapy designed specifically for patients with B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL). This development offers a revolutionary new treatment option for those who have exhausted conventional therapies.
What Is a Living Drug?
Unlike traditional chemical-based drugs, a "living drug" is created from a patient's own cells. These are harvested, genetically modified to strengthen their immune response, and reintroduced into the patient’s body to target and destroy cancer cells.
Qartemi represents a type of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy. This form of immunotherapy modifies the patient’s T cells—critical components of the immune system—to specifically identify and attack cancer cells. It is a personalized treatment, tailored to each individual patient’s condition.
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The Need for Advanced Therapies in India
Blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, are a growing concern in India, with approximately 1,20,000 new cases reported annually. The mortality rate is also alarmingly high, with over 70,000 deaths each year. Conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often fail in cases of relapsed or refractory blood cancers, leaving patients with limited options.
Qartemi offers renewed hope by providing a highly effective and localized solution to this critical health challenge.
Trials and Efficacy of Qartemi
Immuneel Therapeutics began clinical trials for Qartemi in 2022 under the name IMAGINE. Conducted at leading institutions such as Narayana Hospital in Bengaluru, Apollo Cancer Hospital in Chennai, and PGIMER in Chandigarh, the trials evaluated the drug’s safety and efficacy. Key highlights of the trials:
- Phase 2 Success: Achieved an 83.3% overall response rate.
- Safety Standards: Found comparable to CAR-T therapies approved by the US FDA.
- Support: Backed by India’s Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP).
These promising results paved the way for Qartemi’s approval as a groundbreaking treatment option.
Accessibility and Cost
Qartemi is priced between ₹35 lakh and ₹50 lakh, making it significantly more affordable compared to global CAR-T cell therapies, which often cost upwards of ₹3-5 crore. Immuneel Therapeutics has ensured that the therapy meets international standards while being accessible to Indian patients. The drug is now available at several leading medical institutions across India, including:
- Narayana Health
- Apollo Hospitals
- CMC Vellore and Ludhiana
- Manipal Hospitals
- Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Delhi
- SGPGI Lucknow
- Amrita Hospital Faridabad
A Collaboration with Global Expertise
Qartemi is heralded as "India’s first international CAR-T cell therapy," licensed from Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (HCB), a globally recognized institution in cell therapy innovation. This collaboration underscores India’s growing role in adopting and adapting cutting-edge medical technologies.
Why Qartemi Is a Game-Changer
Qartemi represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, particularly for those battling relapsed or refractory B-NHL. Its ability to personalize treatment based on a patient’s unique genetic makeup offers higher success rates and improved quality of life compared to traditional therapies.
The approval of Qartemi marks a pivotal moment in India’s healthcare landscape, showcasing the potential of homegrown biotech innovations to address complex medical challenges. With continued support and development, therapies like Qartemi are poised to revolutionize cancer care in the country.