PM Modi Launches NexCAR19: India’s First Homegrown CAR T-Cell Therapy

In a historic stride for Indian healthcare and biotechnology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched NexCAR19, India’s first indigenous CAR T-cell therapy, aimed at revolutionizing cancer treatment. Developed through a collaborative effort between ImmunoACT, IIT Bombay, and Tata Memorial Hospital, with support from DBT (Department of Biotechnology) and BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), NexCAR19 positions India firmly on the global map of cell and gene therapy innovation.

What is NexCAR19?

NexCAR19 is a form of CAR T-cell therapy—a cutting-edge treatment where a patient’s own T-cells (a type of white blood cell) are genetically modified to express Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs). These modified cells can specifically identify and attack cancer cells, offering targeted and highly effective treatment.

The therapy is specifically developed to treat B-cell blood cancers, including,

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• It is especially beneficial for patients whose cancers have relapsed or failed to respond to traditional first-line treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

How CAR T-Cell Therapy Works

CAR T-cell therapy follows a multi-step process,

• Collection: T-cells are extracted from the patient’s blood.
• Engineering: These T-cells are modified in the lab to express CARs that can recognize cancer-specific antigens.
• Multiplication: The modified CAR T-cells are multiplied in large numbers.
• Infusion: The enhanced cells are then infused back into the patient’s body to seek out and destroy cancer cells.

This technique harnesses the body’s own immune system in a highly personalized and effective manner, particularly in hard-to-treat or relapsed cancers.

Significance of NexCAR19 for India

The launch of NexCAR19 is not just a scientific milestone—it reflects a broader national vision for affordable and self-reliant healthcare innovation. Here’s why this is significant,

1. First of Its Kind in India: NexCAR19 is the first Indian-developed CAR T-cell therapy, eliminating dependence on expensive international treatments that can cost upwards of ₹3–4 crore.
2. Make in India in Biotech: The therapy showcases India’s capacity to innovate domestically in high-tech medical solutions, aligning with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
3. Global Competitiveness: With NexCAR19, India joins an elite group of countries with the capability to develop and deliver gene and cell therapies, such as the US, China, and Germany.
4. Public-Private Research Collaboration: The project highlights the power of academic-industry partnerships, involving IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, DBT, and BIRAC—demonstrating the strength of India’s research ecosystem.

Implications for Cancer Care

Cancer remains a major public health challenge in India, with blood cancers forming a significant share of childhood and adult malignancies. NexCAR19 offers,

• Hope for relapsed patients
• Personalized cancer treatment
• Reduced financial burden
• Access to advanced therapy within India

Its affordability and accessibility could transform oncology care, especially for middle-income families and public hospitals.

Key Static Facts

• Therapy Name: NexCAR19
• Type: CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell therapy
• Target Cancers: B-cell leukemia and lymphoma
• Developed By: ImmunoACT (IIT Bombay incubated startup)
• In Collaboration With: Tata Memorial Hospital
• Supported By: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BIRAC
• Launched By: PM Narendra Modi
• Launch Date: November 2025