Bengaluru, August 9, 2025: Major news for Indian oncology: Immuneel Therapeutics’ Varnimcabtagene autoleucel (IMN-003A) has notched a significant milestone as the nation’s first indigenously developed CAR T-cell therapy to achieve lasting remission in aggressive blood cancer cases. Seven patients from the 2022 IMAGINE Phase 2 clinical trial have now surpassed two years of progression-free survival—a first for any made-in-India CAR T therapy. This result strongly signals the therapy’s durability and its potential to redefine the cancer treatment landscape here.
IMN-003A is targeting adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and frankly, the results are impressive. We’re seeing an 83% overall response rate at Day 90, holding steady with 50% at Day 365. That’s not just strong, it’s industry-shaking. The complete response rate also stands at 83%, which is remarkable. To date, over 50 patients have undergone treatment across top-tier centers in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Chandigarh, and the consistency in outcomes speaks volumes. Even more notable is the safety profile: zero ICU admissions and no severe neurotoxicity reported. That’s a huge win in this space.
A New Era for Cancer Care in India
Immuneel’s CAR T-cell therapy is making real strides in India—finally, some headway on the usual barriers around cost and infrastructure for advanced treatments like CAR T. With support from a DBT-BIRAC grant, the IMAGINE trial has demonstrated real, tangible progress: seven patients have achieved long-term remission. That’s a major milestone, not just a statistic.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Board Director and Co-Founder, described the achievement as a “powerful validation.” She’s right—it’s a clear indicator that India has the capability to deliver world-class cancer innovation. This kind of result doesn’t just move the needle, it puts India firmly on the map as an emerging healthcare leader, right in line with the ambition to become a global powerhouse by 2047.
4 Key Clinical Highlights:
1) India’s Longest-Known CAR T Therapy Survivors: Seven patients enrolled in the Phase 2 IMAGINE trial have crossed the two-year PFS milestone, a first for any Indian CAR T therapy, underscoring durable remission and the potential for improved long-term survival
2) Strong and Sustained Response Rates: IMN-003A (clinical trial) showed an 83% ORR at Day 90, a 50% ORR at Day 365, and a Complete Response rate of 83%, setting new standards in treatment for relapsed/refractory CD19+ B-NHL
3) 50-Patient Milestone: Therapy has been successfully administered to more than 50 patients across leading Indian hospitals, demonstrating consistent clinical outcomes, favorable safety profile, and Immuneel’s ability to scale complex cell therapy delivery nationally
4) Backed by DBT-BIRAC Grant: The IMAGINE Phase 2 trial was supported by BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) under the Department of Biotechnology’s BIPP scheme, underscoring national recognition of its scientific merit
Scaling Access, Transforming Lives
Mr. Amit Mookim, Board Director & CEO, Immuneel Therapeutics, added, “This achievement is not just a clinical validation, but a strategic proof point of what’s possible when world-class science is built for India and beyond, in India. Crossing the two-year progression-free survival mark with multiple patients demonstrates that India can lead in delivering durable, next-generation therapies. At Immuneel, our focus remains on scaling access, deepening impact, and continuing to redefine what cancer care can look like for patients and families in India and beyond India.”
Globally, CAR T therapies are considered revolutionary but are often expensive and logistically challenging. Immuneel’s effort marks a turning point in making these advanced treatments accessible to Indian patients, particularly those who have exhausted other options.
Keywords: CAR T-cell therapy, Varnimcabtagene autoleucel, Immuneel Therapeutics, blood cancer, B-NHL, cancer remission, India cancer treatment, IMAGINE trial, progression-free survival, oncology innovation
