ImmunoAct, a pioneering player in India’s cell and gene therapy space, has achieved profitability in its inaugural full year of operations, marking a significant milestone in a sector often plagued by challenges related to scaling and cash flow. The Hyderabad-based biotech firm reported revenues of ₹62 crore and a profit before tax of ₹12 crore for FY25, a remarkable increase from the ₹11 crore in revenue the previous year. This achievement underscores ImmunoAct’s rapid growth in a competitive landscape where many research-oriented pharmaceutical startups struggle.
Founded by immunologist Rahul Purwar in 2013, ImmunoAct originated from the bioengineering department at IIT Bombay and was officially spun off in 2018. Its flagship product, NexCAR19, is notable for being the first indigenous CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) therapy approved by India’s central drug regulatory authority in October 2023. Launched in April 2024, NexCAR19 is priced approximately 90% lower than similar therapies from major companies like Novartis and Gilead, making it more accessible for patients in India and other low-to-middle-income countries. To date, the therapy has been administered to over 350 patients across 70 hospitals in India.
CAR-T therapy involves extracting a patient’s immune cells, re-engineering them, and reintroducing them to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. This innovative approach offers longer remission periods compared to traditional treatments like immunotherapy and bone marrow transplants and is typically employed when all other treatment options have failed. Each dose of CAR-T therapy is priced around ₹30 lakh, down from an initial price of ₹42 lakh, and further price reductions are anticipated as demand continues to rise.
In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, ImmunoAct has appointed V. Simpson Immanuel, the former managing director of Roche India, as its strategic advisor. “We needed someone who understands not just the commercial landscape, but also the nuances of innovation, patient access, and global expansion,” said Purwar, highlighting the company’s commitment to navigating the complexities of the biotech market.
The approval of new cell therapies is indicative of a burgeoning sector. Earlier this year, Immuneel Therapeutics, backed by prominent figures like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and renowned oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee, gained approval for Qartemi, a cell therapy for adult B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in India. Major pharmaceutical companies, including Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s Labs, and Bharat Biotech, are investing significantly in developing new CAR-T therapies.
Globally, CAR-T therapies represent the forefront of cancer treatment, drawing billions in investments from major drugmakers. The market for these innovative therapies is projected to soar to $134 billion by 2034, up from approximately $10 billion today, reflecting a rapidly growing sector that holds promise for millions of patients worldwide.
ImmunoAct’s journey, marked by profitability and innovative breakthroughs, showcases the potential of Indian biotech firms to transform healthcare, making advanced treatments more accessible for a broader population.
Original Source: https://m.economictimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/cheaper-cancer-care-therapy-earns-big-bucks-for-pharma-company/articleshow/122939629.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-07-28 00:21:00
