‘VELCART-T’ Study by CMC Vellore and ICMR Marks New Era in Affordable Cancer Treatment
First Time CAR-T Cells Manufactured Within Hospital Premises in India
T.chaturvedi,Dainik india news,New Delhi / Vellore – In a landmark medical achievement, Indian scientists have successfully developed an indigenous CAR-T cell therapy that shows remarkable efficacy in treating blood cancer. The clinical trial, named VELCART-T, was conducted by the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). According to published data, nearly 80% of patients showed no signs of cancer relapse for up to 15 months post-treatment.
What is CAR-T Therapy?
CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is a form of personalized immunotherapy that modifies a patient’s own T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. In the VELCART-T trial, this cutting-edge therapy was used on patients suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)—two aggressive forms of blood cancer.
India’s First Hospital-Based CAR-T Cell Production
For the first time in India, CAR-T cells were manufactured entirely within the hospital’s facilities—an achievement that significantly reduces cost and improves accessibility. Unlike imported CAR-T therapies, which can cost up to ₹4-5 crore per patient, this indigenous approach aims to make cancer treatment affordable, accessible, and faster for the Indian population.
ICMR’s Official Declaration
ICMR officially announced the success of the VELCART-T trial in New Delhi, calling it a “major milestone in cancer therapy.” The council emphasized that this is a game-changer for Indian oncology and an important step toward self-reliance in biotherapeutics.
Published in Global Medical Journal
The findings of the VELCART-T study have been peer-reviewed and published in the international journal Molecular Therapy – Oncolytics. The journal highlights the novel approach of producing CAR-T cells in-house and its successful clinical application on Indian patients.
Previous Milestones in India’s CAR-T Journey
India’s journey in CAR-T therapy began earlier with a collaboration between ImmunoACT and Tata Memorial Hospital, which developed the first indigenous CAR-T therapy approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in 2023. The VELCART-T study builds on that foundation and propels India further into the global biotherapeutics space.
India Rising in Global Cancer Innovation
This breakthrough not only offers hope to millions battling blood cancer but also showcases India’s rising competence in developing low-cost, high-impact medical innovations. With continued support from institutions like ICMR and CMC Vellore, India is positioning itself as a leader in next-generation cancer treatment technologies.
