🧬 India’s Fight Against Blood Cancer Gets a Cutting-Edge Ally

Qartemi: India’s First Internationally Licensed CAR-T Therapy Launched for B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

🧪 What is CAR-T Therapy?

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is a groundbreaking form of immunotherapy:

• Patient’s T-cells are collected from the blood
• These cells are genetically modified to detect and destroy cancer cells
• Modified T-cells are reinfused into the patient’s body
• The therapy acts as a “living drug”, adapting and fighting cancer from within

⚙️ This therapy represents a leap in personalised cancer treatment, using the body’s own immune system as a weapon.

🔬 Clinical Trials and Efficacy

The IMAGINE trial, conducted across top hospitals like Narayana Hospital and Apollo Cancer Hospital, revealed remarkable results:

• ✅ Overall Response Rate (ORR): 83.3% in relapsed/refractory B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• 🧿 This performance is on par with international CAR-T therapies, making Qartemi a reliable and accessible alternative for Indian patients

🩸 India’s Battle Against Blood Cancer

India records nearly 1.2 lakh new blood cancer cases each year, and many patients suffer from aggressive forms with limited treatment options.

🚀 Qartemi offers a lifesaving solution for patients with relapsed or refractory B-NHL, addressing a major unmet medical need.

💡 A New Era in Cancer Care

Qartemi represents:

• The first CAR-T therapy in India with international regulatory approval
• A fusion of global expertise and indigenous production
• A critical step toward democratising access to precision medicine in India

It’s more than a treatment—it’s a paradigm shift in how India fights cancer.

🧠 What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)?

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which defends the body against infection.

🔍 Key Facts:

• Caused by uncontrolled growth of lymphatic cells
• Can develop in lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, or other organs
• Differs from Hodgkin lymphoma, both in cell type and treatment

🧬 Common Subtypes:

• Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) – Most common and aggressive
• Follicular Lymphoma – Slower growing but challenging to cure completely

🛤️ Looking Ahead

With Qartemi’s launch, India enters the global arena of next-gen immunotherapies—bringing new hope to thousands of families and paving the way for further advancements in customised cancer care.