Hyderabad-based Nucelion Therapeutics, a next-generation cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) and wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Biotech, partnered with Bengaluru-based Pandorum Technologies to advance two investigational ophthalmology programmes. Supported by the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme, the projects target advanced keratopathy and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). The partnership will combine Pandorum’s regenerative medicine research with Nucelion’s specialised manufacturing capabilities to support the development of these emerging therapies in India.
Designer Exosomes Drive Regenerative Medicine Development
Pandorum is developing cell-free regenerative medicines using designer exosomes, which carry biological signals that facilitate communication between cells. The company engineers these exosomes to target biological processes associated with inflammation, fibrosis and vascular abnormalities while supporting tissue repair. Its platform integrates manufacturing processes, product characteristics, biological activity and tissue responses to improve therapeutic development.
Through its collaboration with Nucelion, Pandorum aims to connect its programmable regenerative medicine platform with reproducible manufacturing processes and indication-specific development strategies. The partnership will also strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced therapies with support from national research funding.
Nucelion to Support Process Development and Manufacturing
Nucelion will provide process development and manufacturing support for Pandorum’s designer exosomes, tailoring its activities to the requirements and development stages of each programme. The collaboration highlights the importance of specialised manufacturing infrastructure in translating emerging regenerative medicine technologies into investigational therapies. Furthermore, the broader partnership aims to produce materials under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards for clinical studies in India and overseas, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
Two Ophthalmology Programmes Target Distinct Eye Conditions
The partnership will advance two separate programmes, each following its own development milestones, scientific evidence and regulatory requirements. Advanced keratopathy: Pandorum is developing an investigational therapy for severe corneal disease, with the programme directed towards clinical evaluation. Wet age-related macular degeneration: The second programme targets wet AMD, a retinal disease, and is currently focused on preclinical development and preparation for subsequent clinical translation. Together, these programmes demonstrate the potential of India’s research and manufacturing ecosystem to develop innovative approaches to treating complex eye diseases.
PRIP Support Provides Funding for Both Projects
The two projects have a combined planned outlay of ₹16.97 crore, including up to ₹8 crore in funding under the PRIP scheme. This support will help advance the development of the designer-exosome platform across the two ophthalmology programmes. By combining research expertise, specialised manufacturing and government-backed innovation support, Pandorum and Nucelion aim to strengthen India’s advanced therapeutics ecosystem.
Industry Leaders Highlight Manufacturing and Innovation
Dr. Raghu Malapaka, Chief Business Officer at Nucelion Therapeutics, emphasised the importance of integrating process development, analytical methods and manufacturing quality to advance complex biologics. As per the press release, he noted that the collaboration would help translate Pandorum’s product requirements into reproducible processes and development-stage manufacturing, with quality built into the process from the outset.
Dr. Tuhin Bhowmick, Co-founder and CEO of Pandorum Technologies, highlighted the need to establish reproducible biological activity and evaluate therapeutic effects rigorously as regenerative medicines progress beyond laboratory research.
He added that PRIP support would help advance both ophthalmology programmes through Pandorum’s designer-exosome platform. The collaboration with Nucelion will connect this technology with the manufacturing capabilities required for further development, supporting the shared vision of “Innovate and Make in India, for the World.” Ultimately, the partnership aims to advance investigational regenerative therapies for serious eye diseases while strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced biologics manufacturing.