SRINAGAR: In a significant boost to India’s growing biotechnology sector, Cellogen Therapeutics has secured Rs 20 crore (around $2 million) in funding from Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited to accelerate its cutting-edge work in cell and gene therapies.
The investment, made through Kotak Life Sciences Fund I (KLSF-I), will help the startup expand its CAR-T clinical programmes, strengthen GMP-compliant manufacturing and regulatory systems, and deepen its pipeline for gene therapies targeting blood disorders and cancers.
Founded in 2021 by Kashmir Scientist Dr Tanveer Ahmad and Dr Gaurav Kharya, Cellogen Therapeutics is positioned at the forefront of next-generation cancer treatment in India. The company is focused on developing advanced cellular engineering and gene therapy solutions for haematological malignancies, solid tumours, beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
At the core of the startup’s innovation is its next-generation CAR-T therapy platform. Unlike conventional CAR-T therapies that target a single cancer marker, Cellogen’s bispecific dual-antigen CAR-T technology targets two markers simultaneously, a strategy designed to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce the chances of relapse.
The company is currently working towards Phase I human clinical trials in collaboration with Christian Medical College Vellore, subject to regulatory approvals. Last year, it also secured a patent for its CAR-T platform.
One of Cellogen’s key goals is to dramatically reduce the cost of life-saving therapies. Existing CAR-T treatments globally can cost between $500,000 and $700,000, placing them beyond the reach of most patients. Cellogen aims to bring that cost down to nearly one-tenth, making advanced therapies more accessible in India and other developing regions.
“We envision making revolutionary therapies available to the masses,” the company has stated, highlighting its mission to indigenously manufacture advanced therapeutic technologies within India.
Kashmir scientist Dr Tanveer Ahmad, Director and Co-Founder, brings extensive academic and research experience to the venture. An alumnus of the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research and associated with Jamia Millia Islamia, he has also worked with the National Institutes of Health.
Co-founder Dr Gaurav Kharya, an alumnus of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, has been associated with institutions including Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Artemis Hospitals and Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
The latest funding comes after Hyderabad-based Natco Pharma acquired over a five per cent stake in the startup for Rs 15 crore earlier.
India’s biotechnology ecosystem has witnessed rapid expansion in recent years, with more than 11,000 biotech startups now operating across the country. The Union Government has also announced the ‘Biopharma SHAKTI’ scheme to promote research, manufacturing and innovation in the sector.
Against this backdrop, Cellogen Therapeutics’ latest funding marks another step in India’s efforts to build globally competitive, affordable and indigenous healthcare technologies.
