Cellogen Therapeutics, an Indian biotech focused on next-generation CAR-T cancer therapies, has secured ₹20 crore (approximately $2 million) from Kotak Alternate Asset Managers. The investment supports its clinical development, pipeline expansion, and regulatory strengthening.
- ₹20 Cr funding from Kotak Alts through Kotak Life Sciences Fund I
- Developing dual-target CAR-T therapies promising lower relapse rates
- Plans to start phase I clinical trials and expand gene therapy portfolio
What happened
Cellogen Therapeutics, an Indian biotech startup specializing in cellular engineering and gene therapy, has raised ₹20 crore from Kotak Alternate Asset Managers. The funding was facilitated through the Kotak Life Sciences Fund I, which invests in life sciences and health tech startups across various stages.
This capital influx will enable Cellogen to advance its CAR-T clinical programs, expand its gene therapy pipeline specifically targeting blood disorders like beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease, and enhance its manufacturing and regulatory capabilities compliant with GMP standards.
Why it matters
Cellogen’s innovative bispecific CAR-T platform targets two cancer cell markers simultaneously, offering a more effective treatment with a reduced chance of relapse compared to conventional single-target CAR-T therapies. This positions the startup as a promising player in the affordable oncology and gene therapy market in India.
The startup’s goal to price treatments significantly lower than the current market rates — aiming for $60K to $70K instead of $500K to $700K — could potentially democratize access to life-saving therapies, addressing high costs that limit patient reach globally.
What to watch next
Additionally, the broader Indian biotech landscape's growth, bolstered by government initiatives like the ‘Biopharma SHAKTI’ scheme, will create a conducive environment for startups like Cellogen. Observers should monitor further funding rounds, strategic partnerships, and clinical milestones.