Immuneel Therapeutics’ Varnimcabtagene autoleucel (IMN-003A) sets new survival benchmark for aggressive B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Bengaluru, August 9, 2025 — In a breakthrough for Indian oncology, Immuneel Therapeutics has reported the country’s first known long-term remission in patients treated with a homegrown CAR T-cell therapy. Seven patients with aggressive blood cancers have crossed the two-year progression-free survival (PFS) milestone — a first for India.
The therapy, Varnimcabtagene autoleucel (IMN-003A), was evaluated in the IMAGINE Phase 2 trial for adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL), one of the most aggressive blood cancers with limited response to standard treatment.
CAR T-cell therapy, globally considered a game-changer, has been out of reach for most Indian patients due to high costs and complex logistics. Immuneel’s success demonstrates that advanced, next-generation treatments can be developed and scaled within India while achieving globally comparable outcomes.
Key Clinical Results
First Long-Term Survivors in India: Seven trial participants have surpassed two years without disease progression, showing durable remission.
Strong Response Rates: IMN-003A achieved an 83% overall response rate (ORR) at Day 90, 50% ORR at Day 365, and an 83% complete response rate, setting new benchmarks for Indian CAR T trials.
National Scale-Up: More than 50 patients across leading hospitals have now been treated, with consistent outcomes and a favourable safety profile.
Government-Backed Research: Supported by a BIRAC grant under the Department of Biotechnology’s BIPP scheme, the trial reflects strong national endorsement.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Co-Founder & Board Director, Immuneel Therapeutics, said:
“This achievement validates our mission to make world-class cancer therapies accessible and affordable. Long-term survivors from a Made-in-India CAR T therapy prove the transformative power of local innovation.”
Amit Mookim, CEO & Board Director, Immuneel Therapeutics, added:“Crossing the two-year survival milestone highlights India’s capability to deliver durable, next-generation treatments. Our priority remains expanding access and impact.”
With sustained results in over 50 patients, Immuneel’s work signals a new era for Indian cancer care — one where high-impact therapies are developed in India, for both domestic and global needs.
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