Cipla is set to make India’s first indigenously developed CAR-T cell therapy available in South Africa, Algeria, and Morocco, marking a landmark step in global access to advanced cancer care. Notably, the move echoes Cipla’s transformative initiative nearly 25 years ago, when it expanded access to affordable HIV/AIDS medicines across Africa.
Strategic Licensing Agreement with ImmunoACT
Through its subsidiary Medpro Pharmaceutica, Cipla has formalised an exclusive licensing and supply agreement with Immunoadoptive Cell Therapy Private Limited (ImmunoACT) to commercialise talicabtagene autoleucel in the three markets.
Commenting on the milestone, Rahul Purwar, Founder and Chairman of ImmunoACT and Professor at IIT Bombay, described the agreement as the company’s first international licensing deal and a reflection of the “Make in India for the world” vision. He noted that the initiative mirrors Cipla’s historic role in making life-saving HIV/AIDS therapies affordable in Africa.
From Academic Research to Commercial Innovation
The CAR-T therapy emerged from a collaboration between IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Hospital, before being commercialised by ImmunoACT, an IIT-B incubated company. Clinicians use the therapy to treat patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (B-NHL) and B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) after standard treatments fail.
The process involves collecting the patient’s blood, isolating and engineering T cells to target cancer cells, and then reinfusing them into the patient. Importantly, the treatment requires only a single infusion.
Affordable Pricing Redefines CAR-T Access
In India, the therapy costs approximately ₹40 lakh, nearly one-tenth the price of global CAR-T therapies. Cipla will determine pricing for international markets, which, according to Purwar, will remain a fraction of prevailing global costs, in line with the company’s long-standing commitment to affordability.
South Africa as the First Market Entry
Initially, Cipla will introduce the therapy in South Africa, where it will conduct the required clinical trials. For now, manufacturing will remain in India. Patient blood samples will be transported to India for processing and then returned for treatment. However, as demand scales to around 100 patients annually, ImmunoACT may consider establishing a facility closer to patients.
Cipla Reaffirms Commitment to Accessible Innovation
As reported by The Hindu Business Line, While Cipla did not directly comment on the agreement, Achin Gupta, Managing Director and Global CEO Designate, stated, “By introducing CAR-T therapy in Africa, we aim to bring world-class innovation closer to patients and strengthen our commitment to accessible healthcare in the region.”
Proven Outcomes in India
To date, clinicians in India have administered the therapy to over 500 patients. According to company data, it has demonstrated high efficacy, durable responses, and a well-tolerated safety profile, while also helping reduce ancillary healthcare costs.
Overall, Cipla’s move positions India as a global supplier of advanced, affordable cell therapies—reshaping access to cutting-edge cancer treatment across emerging markets.