Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched NexCAR19. It is the country’s first indigenous CAR T-Cell therapy. This historic launch marks a new phase in India’s healthcare system, where advanced technology meets the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
NexCAR19 has been developed through the combined efforts of ImmunoACT, IIT Bombay, and Tata Memorial Hospital, with the support of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BIRAC. This therapy aims to make cutting-edge cancer treatment available and affordable for Indian patients who earlier had to rely on expensive foreign therapies.
This article provides details about NexCAR19, how it works, and why it marks a turning point for India’s fight against cancer.
What is NexCAR19?
NexCAR19 is a type of CAR T-Cell Therapy, an advanced form of treatment where a patient’s own white blood cells are modified to fight cancer. “CAR” stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor, a special protein added to T-cells that helps them find and destroy cancer cells.
This therapy is mainly designed for B-cell blood cancers, such as Leukemia and Lymphoma.
NexCAR19 offers a personalized and targeted approach. It is especially helpful for patients whose cancers return or do not respond to regular treatments.
NexCAR19 makes cancer treatment safer, more effective, and less harmful to healthy cells by using the patient’s own immune cells.
How NexCAR19 Works?
The working of NexCAR19 follows a simple scientific process that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. The following are the main steps:
- Collection: T-cells (a type of white blood cell) are taken from the patient’s blood.
- Modification: These T-cells are genetically modified in the lab to recognize cancer cells.
- Multiplication: The modified T-cells are grown and multiplied in controlled lab conditions.
- Infusion: Finally, these trained cells are infused back into the patient’s body.
Once infused, the NexCAR19 cells act like soldiers that specifically target and destroy cancer cells.
This method is precise and personal, as it uses each patient’s own cells. It represents a new age of cancer treatment that is both powerful and safe.
Significance of NexCAR19 for India
The launch of NexCAR19 is more than a medical breakthrough. It is a symbol of India’s growing strength in science and innovation. It reflects the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat, where India develops its own solutions for global challenges.
The following is why NexCAR19 is so important for India:
- First Made-in-India CAR T-Cell Therapy: Such treatments were only available abroad and cost around ₹3–4 crore before NexCAR19. Now, India has its own affordable version.
- Affordable Healthcare: The price of NexCAR19 is expected to be much lower, making advanced therapy accessible to more people.
- Strong Research Collaboration: It is the result of teamwork between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, ImmunoACT, and the Department of Biotechnology.
- Global Recognition: India joins countries like the USA, Germany, and China that have developed their own cell and gene therapies with NexCAR19.
Institutions Behind NexCAR19
The success of NexCAR19 shows how collaboration between research institutions and hospitals can lead to life-saving innovations.
- ImmunoACT, a startup born at IIT Bombay, led the development of NexCAR19.
- Tata Memorial Hospital, India’s leading cancer center, carried out clinical trials to test the safety and results of this therapy.
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BIRAC provided funding, research support, and guidance.
This partnership highlights the strength of Indian research and the value of working together to solve major health challenges.
How NexCAR19 Will Change Cancer Treatment in India
NexCAR19 has the potential to change the way cancer is treated in India. The following is how it will make a difference:
- Hope for Patients: It offers new treatment options for patients who did not respond to chemotherapy or radiation.
- Cost Reduction: Since it is developed in India, NexCAR19 will cost much less than imported therapies.
- Better Accessibility: More hospitals and cancer centers can now provide this therapy locally.
- Boost to Indian Science: The success of NexCAR19 will inspire more innovation in biotechnology and healthcare research.
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NexCAR19 FAQs
Q1. What is NexCAR19?
Ans. NexCAR19 is India’s first indigenous CAR T-Cell therapy designed to treat blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
Q2. Who developed NexCAR19?
Ans. NexCAR19 was developed by ImmunoACT in partnership with IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, DBT, and BIRAC.
Q3. What type of cancers can NexCAR19 treat?
Ans. NexCAR19 is mainly used for treating B-cell blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Q4. How is NexCAR19 different from chemotherapy?
Ans. Unlike chemotherapy, NexCAR19 uses a patient’s own immune cells to identify and destroy cancer cells, reducing side effects.
Q5. Why is NexCAR19 important for India?
Ans. NexCAR19 marks a new era in India’s healthcare system by making advanced cancer treatment affordable and locally developed.
