In a significant move to enhance patient access to advanced cancer treatment, Indian cell and gene therapy pioneer ImmunoACT has forged a strategic alliance with US-based Mango Sciences. The partnership is designed to improve the affordability and accessibility of ImmunoACT's groundbreaking chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for patients battling leukemia and lymphoma.
Innovative Financing for Life-Saving Treatment
The core of this collaboration introduces patient-friendly financial solutions. Eligible individuals can now avail themselves of zero per cent interest EMI plans covering up to Rs 10 lakh towards the therapy's cost. Furthermore, a separate value-based offering of up to Rs 10 lakh is available for clinically qualified patients. This initiative directly addresses the primary barrier to this advanced treatment, which typically carries an average price tag of approximately Rs 30 to 40 lakh, depending on hospital charges.
A Unique Outcome-Based Safety Net
What makes this financing model particularly noteworthy is its patient-centric, risk-mitigating structure. A company official explained that the plan incorporates an outcome-based rebate. In a compassionate provision, if a patient's disease progresses or if the patient passes away, the outstanding loan amount is waived or settled. This model underscores the company's confidence in its therapy while significantly reducing financial anxiety for patients and their families.
Expanding Access to Made-in-India Innovation
ImmunoACT's product, NexCAR19, is hailed as a first-of-its-kind innovation in India, providing domestic access to this cutting-edge, life-saving therapy at a relatively affordable price. The company, originally incubated at the prestigious IIT Bombay, has a mission to deliver novel and affordable autologous CAR-T cell therapies. Founder Rahul Purwar stated that these financing programs are outcome-based and will significantly help patients afford the therapy, demonstrating the firm's conviction in NexCAR19's proven efficacy and safety profile.
The Mango Sciences benefit will be rolled out initially at a select network of healthcare facilities across the country. This partnership marks a crucial step in democratizing advanced cancer care, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of patients receiving potentially curative treatment.
