TDB-DST Advances Next-Generation Cancer Immunotherapy with Dual-Target CAR-T Project

The project focuses on developing an innovative dual-targeting CAR-T therapy designed to attack Multiple Myeloma cells through two distinct cancer markers — BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) and CD19.

In a major boost to India's rapidly expanding biotechnology and precision medicine sector, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed a strategic agreement with Hyderabad-based Helix Cell Therapeutics Private Limited to develop an advanced dual-targeting CAR-T cell therapy for Multiple Myeloma — one of the world's most challenging blood cancers.

The ambitious project, titled "Generation of Novel Dual Targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells to Treat Multiple Myeloma and Conducting Phase I Clinical Trial," is being undertaken under the Indo-Singapore collaborative framework in partnership with Biocell Innovations, Singapore.

The initiative marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities in advanced biologics, cell and gene therapy, and next-generation cancer treatment technologies under the Government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Breakthrough Approach Targets Two Cancer Markers Simultaneously

The project focuses on developing an innovative dual-targeting CAR-T therapy designed to attack Multiple Myeloma cells through two distinct cancer markers — BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) and CD19.

Current CAR-T therapies used globally largely target a single marker such as BCMA and have demonstrated promising outcomes in patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant disease. However, relapse remains a major challenge, with cancer cells often evolving mechanisms to escape immune detection.

The new dual-targeting strategy aims to overcome these limitations by genetically engineering a patient's own T-cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells carrying both BCMA and CD19 markers, potentially improving treatment durability and long-term remission rates.

Scientists believe the dual-targeting platform could significantly reduce tumour escape mechanisms and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in heavily pre-treated patients.

Hope for Patients with Limited Treatment Options

Multiple Myeloma is a complex and currently incurable cancer of plasma cells that affects thousands of patients worldwide every year. Patients who relapse after multiple lines of treatment often face extremely limited therapeutic options and poor survival outcomes.

Under the project, Helix Cell Therapeutics will undertake the development, manufacturing, and clinical evaluation of the next-generation CAR-T therapy platform, including conducting a Phase I clinical trial in India.

The therapy is specifically intended for relapsed and refractory Multiple Myeloma patients who have exhausted existing treatment regimens.

CAR-T therapy, widely regarded as one of the most transformative developments in modern oncology, involves collecting a patient's immune T-cells, genetically modifying them in a laboratory to target cancer cells, and reinfusing them back into the patient's body.

Globally, CAR-T therapies have delivered remarkable results in certain blood cancers, but access remains limited due to extremely high treatment costs and technological complexity.

Strengthening India's Biotech and Precision Medicine Ecosystem

The project is being seen as a major step toward positioning India as a global hub for affordable advanced immunotherapies and precision healthcare technologies.

Experts say indigenous development of CAR-T therapies could dramatically improve access to life-saving treatments while reducing dependence on expensive imported therapies that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars internationally.

The initiative also reflects India's growing emphasis on developing domestic expertise in:

• Cell and gene therapy

• Advanced biologics

• Precision oncology

• Personalized medicine

• Clinical-stage biotechnology innovation

• Biomanufacturing and translational research

The collaboration with Singapore-based Biocell Innovations further strengthens international technology partnerships in emerging biomedical sectors.

Government Backs Next-Generation Healthcare Innovation

Speaking on the occasion, TDB Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak described advanced cell and gene therapies as the future of precision healthcare.

"Advanced cell and gene therapies represent the future of precision healthcare and hold transformative potential for treating complex and previously incurable diseases," he said.

"Through this Indo-Singapore collaborative project, TDB is supporting indigenous innovation in advanced immunotherapy platforms that can strengthen India's global position in next-generation biotechnology and affordable healthcare solutions."

Officials say the project aligns with India's broader national goals of building a self-reliant high-technology healthcare ecosystem while supporting translational research capable of delivering globally competitive medical innovations.

Accelerating Clinical Translation and Commercialisation

Helix Cell Therapeutics said the Government's support would significantly accelerate the clinical translation and commercialization of its CAR-T platform.

Company representatives noted that the project would not only advance indigenous immunotherapy research but also help expand access to cutting-edge cancer treatments for Indian patients.

Industry analysts say India's biotechnology sector is increasingly attracting global attention due to its growing research capabilities, lower manufacturing costs, and expanding clinical trial ecosystem.

With cancer incidence rising worldwide and demand for personalized therapies growing rapidly, advanced immunotherapy platforms such as CAR-T are expected to become a major focus area for future healthcare innovation and investment.

The successful development of an indigenous dual-targeting CAR-T platform could potentially position India among a select group of countries developing next-generation cancer immunotherapies domestically.

For media inquiries: media-coordinator@tdb.gov.in