ImmunoAct Partners Cipla to Launch CAR-T Cancer Therapy in Africa
ImmunoAct has partnered with Cipla to launch its CAR-T therapy NexCAR19 in African markets including South Africa, Morocco and Algeria, marking its first international expansion. The therapy has treated nearly 600 patients across 70 hospitals in India over two years at one-tenth the cost of Western alternatives. The company plans further expansion to Eastern Europe and the United States, supported by a new Navi Mumbai facility with 5,000-patient annual capacity.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
ImmunoAct has announced its first major international expansion through a partnership with Cipla to launch CAR-T therapy in African markets. The collaboration will introduce NexCAR19, ImmunoAct's indigenously developed therapy for blood cancers, in South Africa, Morocco and Algeria.
Expanding Cancer Treatment Access
Rahul Purwar, Founder and Chairman of ImmunoAct, expressed optimism about the partnership's potential impact. "I am hoping that the Cipla and ImmunoAct partnership will lead to really revolutionary medicine access in the African market," he stated. The move mirrors Cipla's historic role in making HIV medicines accessible in Africa more than two decades ago.
NexCAR19 represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment accessibility. The Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy targets blood cancers such as leukaemias and lymphomas, offering hope to patients who previously had limited treatment options.
Strong Domestic Foundation
The African expansion builds on ImmunoAct's successful domestic operations. The company has established a robust presence across India, with impressive adoption metrics:
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Patients Treated: | Nearly 600 over two years |
| Hospital Network: | 70 hospitals nationwide |
| Geographic Reach: | Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities |
| Pricing Advantage: | One-tenth of Western costs |
Purwar highlighted the significance of reaching Tier 2 cities, noting that "ImmunoAct brought this product not only accessible to the mainstream hospitals but also in the Tier 2 hospitals." This achievement is particularly notable given the complexity of cell and gene therapy, which was previously unavailable in India.
Competitive Pricing Strategy
A key differentiator for NexCAR19 is its affordability compared to Western alternatives. While similar treatments in Western countries cost around $500,000, NexCAR19 is priced significantly lower in India. This cost advantage stems from its local development at IIT Bombay in partnership with Tata Memorial Hospital, supported by government funding agencies and investor Laurus Labs.
Purwar confirmed that this pricing philosophy will extend to African markets: "When it goes to Africa, again, I think the pricing would be very significantly different and affordable to the African patient."
Future Expansion Plans
Beyond Africa, ImmunoAct has outlined ambitious growth targets. The company plans to expand into Eastern Europe, other European countries, and eventually the United States. To support this growth, ImmunoAct has recently begun operations at a new facility in Navi Mumbai with capacity to treat 5,000 patients annually.
Regarding funding for international expansion, Purwar indicated that while domestic operations are financially sustainable, overseas growth may require additional capital. "Once we go out of India, especially in the Gulf or in the European market, for those markets we may need the capital, and that's the time we will discuss who is the right partner," he explained.
Strategic Partnerships
Laurus Labs holds approximately 33.86% stake in ImmunoAct, providing strategic support for the company's operations. Purwar clarified that there are currently no discussions about altering this shareholding structure, with the company focused on scaling both domestically and internationally.
18
Create Custom Screeners 
Access 200+ Pre-built Filters 
Use 50+ Readymade Screener 
