Miltenyi Biotec & THSTI Collaborate for Cancer Therapy Research

The partnership aims to advance research in cell and gene therapy (CGT) targeting cancer and sickle cell disease.

Miltenyi Biotec, a German biomedical solutions provider, has joined hands with the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in New Delhi. 

The partnership aims to advance research in cell and gene therapy (CGT) targeting cancer and sickle cell disease.

On the Partnership, Prof Ganesan Karthikeyan of BRIC-THSTI, said, “The partnership with Miltenyi Biotec represents a step in THSTI’s translational efforts. With our expertise in clinical trials, we hope to make tailored cancer treatments affordable and accessible to our population.”

Research Focus & Expected Outcomes

The collaboration will concentrate on developing new cell and gene therapies for cancer and sickle cell disease. Both organizations will engage in joint research initiatives, technology transfer, training programs, and capacity building. The goal is to translate these advancements into practical medical therapies.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in India, trailing only cardiovascular diseases. The National Library of Medicine projects a 12.8% rise in cancer cases in India by 2025 compared to 2020. 

Children under 14 years old are particularly vulnerable, with a high incidence of lymphoid leukemia.

Cell and gene therapy offers a targeted approach, using a patient’s own immune cells to combat cancer. This method potentially reduces the burden on healthy cells compared to traditional chemotherapy. 

However, current therapies need improvements in scalability and affordability. Miltenyi Biotec focuses on making these therapies more accessible and effective by advancing their development closer to the patient’s location.

Sivakumar Natarajan, MD (Interim) of Miltenyi Biotec India, said, “Each year, more than 10,000 patients are treated with cell products using Miltenyi Biotec’s technologies. Through our partnership with THSTI, we aim to help bring new therapies to patients with high unmet medical needs in disease areas where traditional treatments have fallen short.”

Recent Developments in Cancer Care

In recent advancements within cancer treatment in India, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai developed a 'smart material' designed to enhance the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs while minimizing side effects. This 'smart material' facilitates the controlled delivery of anti-cancer drugs, a crucial factor in improving treatment outcomes.

Additionally, Bengaluru-based informatics startup G-KnowMe partnered with researchers at the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) in the UK. This collaboration aimed to automate the clinical interpretation of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data for cancer treatment and develop an efficient workflow to support personalized cancer care.