Cheaper cancer care therapy earns big bucks for pharma company
ImmunoACT, in which Hyderabad-based drugmaker Laurus Labs has roughly 34% equity stake, saw revenues of ₹62 crore with a profit before tax of ₹12 crore in FY25, according to sources. The year before, ImmunoAct had revenues of ₹11 crore.
Founded by immunologist Rahul Purwar in 2013, ImmunoACT was spun off from the department of bioengineering department of IIT Bombay in 2018.
ImmunoACT's NexCAR19 is the first indigenously developed breakthrough cancer CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) therapy approved by India's central drug regulatory agency in October 2023. NexCAR19 was formally launched in India in April 2024 at a price ~90% cheaper than its US and European counterparts like Novartis and Gilead, making it far more affordable for India and low-and-middle income countries, on its potential approval. So far, the therapy has been infused in over 350 patients across 70 hospitals in India.
In CAR-T treatment, the patient's immune cells are extracted and through a maze of re-engineering processes infused back to recognize and kill cancer cells, giving a longer remission to patients as compared to the conventional options like immunotherapy or bone marrow transplants. The therapy is used when all other options are exhausted.Each CAR-T dose (one-and-done infusion) costs around ₹30 lakh, which was initially priced at ₹42 lakh, and is expected to see a further decline as demand picks up.Meanwhile, ImmunoACT has recently appointed former managing director of Roche India V Simpson Immanuel as its strategic advisor.Rahul Purwar added, "We needed someone who understands not just the commercial landscape, but also the nuances of innovation, patient access, and global expansion."
Earlier this year, Immuneel Therapeutics, backed by leading names like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and globally renowned oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee secured approval for Qartemi, its cell therapy for adult B-cell non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, in India. Companies like Cipla, Dr Reddy's Labs and Bharat Biotech are investing heavily in new CAR-Ts. Globally, CAR-Ts are at the frontiers of a range of cancer treatments, attracting billions of dollars in investments from large drugmakers. The market for such therapies is expected to touch $134 billion by 2034 from around $10 billion at present.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Airbus Said to Deliver Fewer Aircraft in July Amid Engine Woes
(Bloomberg) -- Airbus SE delivered about 63 aircraft last month, roughly 18% fewer than during the same month a year ago, as a shortage of engines on its best-selling A320neo model hampered handovers to customers, people familiar with the matter said. The world's biggest planemaker has delivered around 370 planes in the first seven months of 2025, less than half its annual goal. July delivery figures are preliminary and could change slightly, the people cautioned, asking not to be identified discussing confidential data. An Airbus spokesperson declined to comment on the July tally ahead of official publication of figures next week. Deliveries are closely watched by investors because that is when airline customers pay over the bulk of the money for an aircraft order. This week, Airbus's Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Faury said that while the company continued to maintain its full year guidance of around 820 handovers, supply chain issues would push out the bulk of the deliveries into the second half of the year. By comparison, Airbus delivered 77 jets in July a year ago, taking seven month handovers to 400 at that point. The company had 60 so-called gliders — newly built aircraft on the ground without engines — at the end of June, a number it aims to eradicate by the end of the year, Airbus management said on an earnings call on Wednesday. Boeing Co. has been ramping up production of its competing 737 Max jet and has been catching up to its European rival. It was neck-and-neck with Airbus at the half year mark with 280 deliveries versus 306 at the European planemaker. The US planemaker has been working to return its factories to a steadier tempo. It's also cushioned by a surplus of inventory as a consequence of a strike in late 2024 and its decision earlier in the year to slow production to address quality shortfalls after a door-shaped panel blew out of an airborne 737 Max. More stories like this are available on
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Central govt official visits Jaipur waste-to-energy plant
1 2 J aipur: Secretary of the ministry of housing and urban affairs (MHUA) K Srinivas visited Jaipur's Langdiyawas-based solid waste-powered waste-to-energy (WTE) plant Friday. The facility, developed under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), is a key initiative of the Rajasthan govt and is operated under a public-private partnership (PPP) model by Jindal Urban Waste Management (Jaipur) Ltd. During the visit, Srinivas was welcomed by JMC-Heritage commissioner Nidhi Patel and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) director Juikar Pratik Chandra Shekhar. Officials presented an overview of the state's solid waste management initiatives and explained how the plant is supporting sustainability goals. Plant officials gave a detailed presentation on the plant's functioning, modern technologies used, energy generation from waste, and its environmental benefits. The secretary also toured the facility to observe the process of converting solid waste into electricity and reviewed the operational mechanisms first-hand. Following the inspection, Secretary Srinivas said, "This plant is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can offer sustainable solutions to urban challenges. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Best Method for a Flat Stomach After 50 (It's Genius!) Lulutox Undo It not only improves solid waste management but also contributes significantly to clean energy generation and environmental conservation." The facility, operational since Feb 2025, currently processes up to 1,000 metric tonne of waste per day and generates approximately 12 megawatt-hours of electricity. The project contributes around Rs 2.5 crore in daily revenue to the municipal corporation. The initiative has helped reduce landfill dependency, promote renewable energy, and strengthen the circular economy in the region.
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
What Is Germany's Freelance Visa And Why It Matters To Indian Travellers
For many Indian travellers, the idea of living in Europe has always felt like a distant, if beautiful, hypothesis. A place for brief holidays, Schengen stamps, and postcard winters-never a space to pause, work, and actually live. But in recent years, Germany has been quietly opening a different kind of door: a visa that does not ask for an office desk or a corporate job offer. Instead, it asks what you do, how well you do it, and whether you are ready to build a life on your own terms. It is not instant, and it is not for everyone. But if you have the paperwork and the patience, it could mean something much more lasting than a two-week Euro trip. What Is Germany's Freelance Visa? Germany's Freelance Visa is a residence permit that allows non-EU citizens to work independently in certain professional categories while living legally in the country. Unlike a tourist visa, which restricts work, or a work visa that depends on a full-time employer, this option gives qualified individuals the freedom to run their own professional practice. It is structured around liberal professions-meaning it is ideal for creatives, educators, scientists, and consultants whose work is not bound to a traditional office. The visa is typically granted for one year, with the possibility of extension. If you meet the conditions-ongoing freelance work, proof of income, tax registration-it can be extended for up to three years. After five years of continued stay and fulfilment of requirements, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency. Why It Matters To Indian Travellers For Indian citizens, navigating European visas often comes with a long list of constraints-employer sponsorship, tight visa durations, and little flexibility. Germany's freelance visa breaks that mould. It allows Indian travellers to: Base themselves in Europe for at least one year Work independently, legally invoicing clients in Germany and other EU countries Travel within the Schengen area (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) Renew the visa or eventually apply for permanent residency This visa is not meant for backpackers or short-term tourists-it is for those looking to spend an intentional year or more abroad, combining career with travel, language learning, and cultural immersion. Who Is Eligible? Eligibility is based on whether your profession falls under what Germany defines as a "liberal profession." These are jobs that require expertise, creativity or intellectual work, but not a business license. Some of the eligible professions include: Journalists and photojournalists Writers, editors, interpreters, and translators Architects, engineers, and surveyors Visual artists, musicians, and designers Teachers, educators, and researchers Lawyers, patent agents, tax consultants, and accountants Medical and therapeutic professionals like physiotherapists, dentists, and veterinarians Pilots and aviation specialists If you are in IT or business services, you may need to apply for a different visa, such as the self-employment visa (Gewerbetreibende). What Documents Do You Need? Be prepared-Germany is detail-oriented. The documentation required for the freelance visa application is extensive, and applicants need to show that they are financially self-sufficient and professionally qualified. Here is a checklist of the key documents required: A valid passport (issued within the past 10 years and with at least two empty pages) Proof of income: approximately 1,280 euros per month (Rs 1.27 lakh) as a minimum Proof of professional qualification (such as a university degree) Proof of freelance work or client contracts-letters of intent or ongoing projects Detailed freelance business plan or project outline A comprehensive CV Health insurance valid in Germany Proof of address/accommodation in Germany Two passport-size photographs (taken within the last six months) Pension plan documentation for applicants over 45 Visa fee payment receipt (75 euros or about Rs 7,500) Tip: Double-check which documents need to be submitted in German or translated versions. Many consulates require official translations. How To Apply From India Applying for this visa involves a combination of paperwork in India and follow-ups in Germany. Here is a step-by-step guide tailored for Indian travellers: Fill out the National D visa application form and print a copy for submission. Book an appointment with the German Embassy or Consulate in India. Prepare your documents, including income proof, business plan, and health insurance. Attend the in-person appointment, where your biometric data will be collected. Wait for the visa to be processed-this can take between 6 and 10 weeks. Once in Germany, register your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks. Visit the local Auslanderbehorde (Foreigners' Office) to apply for your freelance residence permit. Remember, the National D Visa is your entry pass. The residence permit is what allows you to live and work long-term. Can You Afford To Live In Germany On A Freelance Visa? While the visa fee itself is nominal, living costs are not. Germany is not the cheapest destination in Europe, but it offers value in terms of quality of life, infrastructure, and access. Here is a monthly estimate to help plan your finances: Shared housing (WG or flatshare): 300 to 600 euros Groceries: 150 to 200 euros Transport pass: 49 to 90 euros Internet/phone/utilities: 100 euros Miscellaneous personal expenses: 100 to 200 euros Total estimated monthly budget: 800 to 1,200 euros In addition to this, you must show proof of funds for one year-around 11,208 euros, which is close to Rs 10 lakh. What Life In Germany Could Look Like For A Year This visa is not just about work. It opens up a different kind of European life-one that involves living like a local. No two months will feel the same: Winter: Christmas markets, hot chocolate, snow-covered old towns Spring: Bike rides through parks, blooming cherry trees, weekend trips to neighbouring cities Summer: Beer gardens, lakeside picnics, outdoor cinema screenings Autumn: Foliage trails, wine festivals, and local Oktoberfest celebrations You could also take up: Volunteering at local cafes or co-working spaces Enrolling in a neighbourhood language school Shopping at weekly farmers' markets Living without a car-most cities are built for walking and cycling Adjusting to Sunday quiet-most shops are shut, so it is your day to slow down What Happens After One Year? If you have maintained your freelance work and financial self-sufficiency, your visa can be extended. Some freelancers also use the opportunity to: However, if your income is not consistent or the freelance work dries up, you may need to return to your home country.
