India marked a historic milestone in its fight against cancer as President Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the nation's inaugural homegrown gene therapy for cancer at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay on April 4th, 2024. Named "CART cell therapy," this breakthrough treatment promises to revolutionize cancer care by offering an accessible and affordable alternative to conventional therapies.

Key Points:

• Speaking at the launch event, President Smt Droupadi Murmu hailed the advent of India's first gene therapy as a significant triumph in the global battle against cancer, offering renewed hope to countless patients.
• CAR-T cell therapy, a groundbreaking advancement in medical science, has long been available in developed nations but remained financially out of reach for most patients worldwide. India's initiative aims to bridge this gap by providing the world's most affordable CAR-T cell therapy.
• Developed through a collaborative effort between the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital WCI, and industry partner ImmunoACT, the therapy exemplifies the spirit of the 'Make in India' initiative and fosters academia-industry partnerships.
• President Murmu lauded the role of IIT Bombay as a beacon of technological education, emphasizing the importance of research and development in driving such transformative innovations. She expressed confidence in India's potential to harness its knowledge base and skills to usher in a new era of technological revolution and healthcare advancement.

Implications: India's pioneering gene therapy for cancer holds immense promise not only for the nation but also for the global healthcare landscape. By prioritizing accessibility and affordability, this breakthrough underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing pressing medical challenges. As India continues to leverage its scientific expertise and academic partnerships, it stands poised to make significant contributions to the fight against cancer and improve healthcare outcomes worldwide.