Cellogen Therapeutics secures investment from NATCO Pharma for pioneering cell and gene therapy programs
Delhi-based biotech startup Cellogen Therapeutics Private Limited, under the guidance of Dr. Gaurav Kharya, Director at the Centre for Bone Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, has recently announced a significant funding milestone. The company has successfully raised approximately US$ 2 million from NATCO Pharma Limited, marking a significant step forward in their research and development endeavors.
Innovations in Cell and Gene Therapy
At the forefront of their innovative efforts, Cellogen Therapeutics is involved in two critical research and development programs focusing on cell and gene therapy solutions. The first program centers on Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy, currently in an advanced stage at Cellogen. This therapy involves genetically engineering T cells from patients to target and eliminate cancer cells. Cellogen has made notable strides in this area, developing bi-specific CARs and adding an additional co-stimulatory domain to enhance efficacy and longevity in the human body. This advancement aims to reduce the risk of relapse post-therapy, a significant challenge with existing CAR constructs. Impressively, Cellogen aspires to bring the cost of this treatment down from the current market price of US$ 500,000 – 700,000 to an affordable range of US$ 60,000 – 70,000.
Cellogen Therapeutics Receives Significant Funding from NATCO Pharma for Groundbreaking Research
Addressing Red Cell Disorders
Another significant program at Cellogen Therapeutics involves gene therapy for transfusion-dependent thalassemia and sickle cell disease. These disorders represent a major global health burden, with around 40,000 children born annually with these conditions in India alone. Cellogen’s research in this area is not just pioneering but also carries immense potential for addressing a significant public health concern.
Statements from Key Figures
Dr. Gaurav Kharya, the Founder & Director of Cellogen Therapeutics, commented on the progress, “Cellogen has been working on its next-generation CAR T program for around 2.5 years and has been able to zero in on one particular CAR construct amongst around 40 such constructs. After successful pre-clinical data using the selected CAR, Cellogen intends to start phase 1 clinical trial in the first half of 2024. Just like the CAR T cell therapy, Cellogen Therapeutics also intends to bring gene therapy solutions at affordable cost to our patients in need.”
Rajeev Nannapaneni, Director & CEO of NATCO Pharma Limited, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Cellogen’s area of research work involving innovative and cost-effective cell and gene therapies for addressing various oncological, hematological and metabolic diseases is in line with our core value of providing advanced healthcare with affordability and is the basis of our investment thesis. We are excited about these therapies and pleased to partner with Cellogen Therapeutics.”
This collaboration between Cellogen Therapeutics and NATCO Pharma represents a significant stride in the field of biotechnology, promising affordable and effective solutions for complex medical conditions.