Laurus Labs will establish a state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility at IIT Kanpur’s Techno Park
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Laurus Labs to introduce groundbreaking gene therapy assets to the market. The collaboration marks a paradigm shift on innovation and advancement in the field of bioengineering in India, with this unprecedented industry-first investment in a faculty research group.
IIT Kanpur will transfer several gene therapy assets through in-licensing to Laurus Labs, which will provide a research grant to facilitate their progression through pre-clinical development. Laurus Labs will also fund the necessary clinical trials and spearhead the launch of these cutting-edge products not only in India but also in emerging markets.
In addition, Laurus Labs will establish a state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility at IIT Kanpur’s Techno Park, bolstering the production capabilities of gene therapy products. They will actively engage in the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) business for cell and gene therapy, leveraging the capabilities of the GMP facility.
Prof Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur said, “This is a big moment for us at IIT Kanpur when we are partnering with a leading pharma company Laurus Labs for developing novel drugs based on path-breaking research in gene therapy at IIT Kanpur. With the setting up of the Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, we are committed to transformative research in affordable healthcare including novel drug discovery, medical diagnostics and therapeutics, medical devices and implants. I am confident that in the years to come, this partnership with Laurus Labs will enable affordable treatment to some of the difficult-to-treat disorders. This also further strengthens the achievability of an industry-academia collaboration towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Dr Satyanarayana Chava, CEO, Laurus Labs said, “We are excited to partner with IIT Kanpur to bring novel gene therapy products to patients in India and other markets at affordable pricing. This collaboration exhibits our commitment towards Cell and Gene therapy (CGT) space. This partnership also provides a unique model for industry–academia collaboration and how we can leverage strengths from both sections for the benefit of patients. IITK has a proven record of being a flag bearer for advancing research in India and this collaboration takes it to the next level.”
The innovative therapies under the MOA are currently not available in the Indian and emerging markets, and this collaboration aims to make these breakthrough treatments accessible to patients at an affordable price point.
