India is facing a rapidly increasing burden of metabolic, degenerative, and autoimmune diseases, largely driven by lifestyle changes and environmental pollution. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory disorders, kidney disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammatory illnesses are becoming increasingly common. As a result, these diseases are placing a substantial emotional and economic burden on patients, families, and the healthcare system.
Against this backdrop, emerging evidence from preclinical and early clinical studies worldwide is encouraging. It suggests that stem cell–based therapies could help address major treatment gaps in the current healthcare landscape.
NIMS Inaugurates Stem Cell Lab Centre of Excellence
In a major step toward strengthening regenerative medicine in the public sector, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, inaugurated a Stem Cell Lab Centre of Excellence on Monday. Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha formally inaugurated the facility. The event was attended by senior NIMS doctors and representatives from Tulsi Therapeutics. It is a private firm that established the laboratory in collaboration with the institute.
Focus on Clinical-Grade Stem Cell Manufacturing
Speaking to The Hindu, Sairam Atluri, Founder of Tulsi Therapeutics, said the laboratory’s primary objective is to manufacture clinical-grade stem cells. These will eventually be used in human patients through regulated clinical trials. However, he clarified that the facility must first obtain approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Only after this can any therapeutic use begin.
“Once the required regulatory permissions are in place, we plan to begin clinical trials, starting with patients suffering from liver failure,” Atluri said.
Minister Explains Regenerative Potential of Stem Cells
To help explain the concept of stem cell therapy, the Health Minister used a simple analogy. He compared stem cells to seeds that grow into large trees. Just as a seed develops into a mature tree, stem cells can differentiate into new cells and tissues in the human body.
As reported by The Hindu, he emphasized the regenerative potential of stem cells. He said this could open new treatment avenues for diseases with limited or ineffective therapies.
Expanding Access Beyond Corporate Hospitals
Currently, stem cell therapy remains largely confined to select corporate hospitals, where treatment costs often run into several lakhs of rupees. The Health Minister highlighted that the establishment of the centre at NIMS aims to bridge this access gap.
By bringing advanced regenerative medicine into a government healthcare institution, the initiative aims to make cutting-edge treatments more accessible. It particularly seeks to benefit citizens who rely on public sector hospitals for care.