NKure & CRISPR Therapeutics Partner to Advance Gene-Edited Cancer Therapy in India

CTX112 is designed as an off-the-shelf therapeutic using healthy donor cells gene-edited with CRISPR/Cas9 technology modified via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.

Bengaluru-based NKure Therapeutics and Switzerland-headquartered CRISPR Therapeutics have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and co-commercialise CTX112, a next-generation off-the-shelf CAR T-cell therapy, for oncology applications in India.

The collaboration aims to improve access to CAR T therapies for patients with B-cell malignancies such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and other forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

CTX112 is designed as an off-the-shelf therapeutic using healthy donor cells gene-edited with CRISPR/Cas9 technology modified via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.

It targets CD19 and is intended for adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies who have received at least two prior treatments.

CRISPR/Cas9 edits are designed to enhance the therapy’s durability by mitigating immune evasion, promoting cell persistence, and reducing cell exhaustion.

The therapy is currently under clinical evaluation for safety and efficacy.

India reports over 41,000 new cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma annually. While autologous CAR T therapies have recently received approval in the country, widespread treatment remains limited due to high costs and long manufacturing timelines.

“We are thrilled to partner with CRISPR Therapeutics to bring CTX112 to India. India faces a pressing need for advanced yet affordable cancer treatments. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to introduce a next-generation CAR T therapy that is both cost-effective and readily available, ensuring more patients can access life-saving treatments without long delays,” said Lalit Pai, Chief Executive Officer of NKure Therapeutics.

The co-development and co-commercialization leverage NKure’s domestic expertise and CRISPR Therapeutics’ global gene-editing platform to make advanced cancer therapies more accessible.

“We are excited to collaborate with NKure to expand the reach of CTX112 to India, where there is a clear need for new treatment options for patients with B-cell malignancies. This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing gene-based therapies and providing patients with access to potentially life-changing treatments worldwide,” Naimish Patel, MD, Chief Medical Officer at CRISPR Therapeutics, added.

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