Hyderabad-based Nucelion Therapeutics, a cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) and wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Biotech, has partnered with Bengaluru-based Pandorum Technologies to advance two investigational therapies for eye diseases. The collaboration will support Pandorum’s two ophthalmology programmes focused on advanced keratopathy and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Both projects have received grants under the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme.
Focus on Designer Exosome-Based Therapies
Pandorum is developing cell-free regenerative medicines using designer exosomes, which carry biological signals that enable communication between cells. These engineered exosomes are designed to regulate inflammation, fibrosis and abnormal blood vessel activity while supporting tissue repair. The platform aims to develop targeted regenerative therapies for different medical conditions. Through this partnership, Pandorum will combine its regenerative medicine technology with Nucelion’s specialised manufacturing capabilities to support the development of these investigational treatments in India.
Nucelion to Support Manufacturing and Process Development
Under the collaboration, Nucelion will provide process development and manufacturing support for Pandorum’s designer exosomes, based on the requirements of each programme. The broader partnership aims to produce materials under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards for clinical studies in India and international markets, subject to applicable regulatory approvals. This collaboration also highlights the growing role of specialised manufacturing capabilities in advancing emerging regenerative medicine technologies.
Two Ophthalmology Programmes Target Serious Eye Conditions
Pandorum’s advanced-keratopathy programme focuses on developing investigational therapies for severe corneal diseases, while its wet-AMD programme targets retinal disease and is currently progressing through preclinical development. The two programmes have a combined planned outlay of Rs 16.97 crore, including up to Rs 8 crore in funding under the PRIP scheme, as reported by BioSpectrum India. Through the partnership, Pandorum and Nucelion aim to strengthen India’s regenerative medicine manufacturing capabilities and advance the development of innovative exosome-based therapies for serious eye conditions.