Cipla Expands CAR-T Cell Therapy to Africa

Cipla has partnered with ImmunoACT to introduce the CAR-T cell therapy 'talicabtagene autoleucel' in South Africa, Algeria, and Morocco. This collaboration aims to provide innovative treatment for blood cancers and enhance healthcare accessibility in these regions.

Drug giant Cipla has announced a strategic partnership with Immunoadoptive Cell Therapy to commercialize an innovative CAR-T cell therapy, named talicabtagene autoleucel, across South Africa, Algeria, and Morocco. This marks a significant step in bringing cutting-edge cancer treatment to the African continent.

The Mumbai-based company, through its subsidiary Medpro Pharmaceutica, has secured an exclusive license and supply agreement with ImmunoACT. According to Cipla, ImmunoACT will be responsible for manufacturing the therapy, while Cipla will handle its commercialization within the agreed territories, addressing unmet medical needs in the area.

Talicabtagene autoleucel, designed for patients suffering from relapsed or refractory B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, has shown high efficacy and a strong safety profile in over 500 patients treated in India. Achin Gupta, Cipla's Managing Director, emphasized the company's commitment to advancing accessible healthcare through this groundbreaking form of immunotherapy.

(With inputs from agencies.)