Dr. Uday Saxena emphasized that the framework for conducting oncology clinical trials is maturing, thereby hastening the delivery of superior drugs to Indian patients over the coming decade. India is experiencing significant progress in cancer medication and treatment innovation, remarked Dr. Saxena, chair of product development at Bharath Advanced Therapeutics and executive secretary of the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations.
A noticeable increase in companies dedicated to pioneering cancer treatments has emerged compared to ten years ago. Notably, CAR-T therapies, once limited to more developed nations, are now being innovated and introduced in India at a fraction—about 10%—of the cost associated with similar treatments abroad. Efforts are being made to develop advanced drugs that minimize side effects, promising improved patient outcomes compared to traditional cytotoxic medications that often caused severe side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and weight loss.
India is also collaborating with the US in a ‘moon shot’ therapy program, aiming not just to treat cancer but to ultimately cure and eradicate the disease. The introduction of CAR-T therapy in India is a testament to the country’s alignment with international treatment standards. Furthermore, an upcoming vaccine to prevent cervical cancer is anticipated to be introduced in the region.
The current development of oral targeted drugs instead of injectable options indicates that locally-produced treatments could transform India from a cancer diagnosis center to a cancer cure hub. Over the past five years, local enterprises have become increasingly equipped not to fall behind in the cancer treatment race, Dr. Saxena informed Pharmabiz via email.
During the recent Cancer Next 2024 conference, groundbreaking oncology research initiatives from various Indian institutes and companies were spotlighted. Bharat Advanced Therapeutics unveiled preclinical data for BAT150030, an innovative oral targeted therapy demonstrating complete tumor reduction in AML and CML models. This treatment is slated for first-in-human trials by 2025, bringing transformative hope to leukemia patients.
The Serum Institute of India shared results from comprehensive HPV vaccine trials aimed at substantially lowering cervical and oropharyngeal cancer rates. This vaccine targets both boys and girls, addressing two significant public health issues.
ImmunoACT illustrated significant success with its CAR-T therapy, achieving an 80% remission rate among over 200 patients, priced at only $50,000 per treatment in India versus $500,000 globally, setting a new benchmark for cost-effectiveness.
Aurigene Oncology highlighted their success in licensing oncology molecules to leading global pharmaceutical companies, representing India’s burgeoning role in drug discovery. Additionally, VeGen Therapeutics continues to work on targeted therapies for different cancer types.
Sponsored by Dr. P Reddanna and Dr. Markendeya Gorantla, the Cancer NEXT 2024 reinforced India’s potential to spearhead global cancer research by overcoming challenges and delivering innovative, affordable patient solutions.
Through fostering collaborations and advancing scientific research, the groundwork is laid for a future where high-quality cancer care is available to all, with various promising new diagnostic tools also being showcased during the conference.