Dr. Balvir S. Tomar, Founder & Chancellor, NIMS University Leads US $3M Partnership To Expand Cancer Therapy In India

Berlin, October, 2026: NIMS University Rajasthan has entered into a US $3 million partnership with Switzerland-based Immuna Therapeutics AG to develop a model for delivering CAR-T cell therapy in Rajasthan, in an initiative led by the university’s Founder and Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar.

Announced at the World Health Summit in Berlin on October 14, the partnership aims to establish a Centre of Excellence for CAR-T clinical delivery, research and training in Rajasthan. The initiative is intended to build local capacity for advanced cancer treatment and reduce barriers associated with accessing specialised therapies.

Under the agreement, NIMS University will contribute US $2 Million towards infrastructure, clinical operations and patient care, while immuna Therapeutic will invest US $1 million in technology, training and technical implementation. 

“India has the scientific talent, clinical expertise and entrepreneurial capacity to help reshape how advanced cancer treatments are delivered. Our partnership with Immuna is an opportunity to build that capacity in Rajasthan, combining world-class technology with local infrastructure and clinical expertise. Our ambition is to develop a model in which geography and economic circumstances do not automatically determine whether a patient can access the next generation of cancer care,” said Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar.

CAR-T therapy is a form of immunotherapy in which a patient’s T cells are modified to recognise and attack cancer cells. It has shown significant results in certain blood cancers, including specific types of leukaemia and lymphoma, particularly in patients whose disease has relapsed or has not responded to previous treatment.

However, the treatment requires specialised facilities, technical expertise and close clinical monitoring, while its cost remains a significant barrier for many patients.

The collaboration will focus on technology transfer, staff training, standard operating procedures, quality systems and regulatory technical support. The partners also intend to explore the development of local treatment capabilities, with any clinical implementation subject to the necessary regulatory approvals and applicable standards.

The proposed patient treatment package has been capped at ₹30 lakh, according to the announcement.

For Dr. Tomar, the initiative represents an effort to bring emerging cancer treatments closer to patients through investment in healthcare infrastructure and international collaboration. The proposed centre is expected to serve as a clinical hub in Jaipur, with patient identification and referral pathways across Rajasthan.

The partners are also looking at potential collaborations with hospitals, government health programmes, insurers and corporate social responsibility initiatives to improve access to treatment.

Dr. Boro Dropulić, a member of Immuna Therapeutics’ technical leadership, said the partnership would combine the company’s TriCAR-T technology with local clinical capabilities and quality systems.

Pradeep Kakkattil, Co-founder of Immuna Therapeutics and Founder and CEO of Health Innovation Exchange, said the collaboration formed part of a broader effort to expand access to advanced cell and gene therapies through partnerships with healthcare institutions and regional stakeholders.

Prof. Sanjay Pattanshetty of NIMS University Rajasthan said the initiative would provide an opportunity to develop clinical expertise, train healthcare professionals and strengthen the infrastructure required for the responsible introduction of advanced therapies.

The Rajasthan initiative is part of Immuna Therapeutics’ broader approach to expanding access to cell and gene therapies through technology transfer and partnerships with local institutions. The longer-term ambition is to develop a model that could be adapted in other regions, subject to clinical evidence, regulatory requirements and implementation feasibility.

For Rajasthan, the proposed centre could provide a foundation for developing expertise in advanced cellular therapies. Its impact will depend on the establishment of clinical capabilities, the applicable approvals and the ability to make treatment accessible to eligible patients.

About NIMS University

NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, is a higher education and healthcare institution with academic, clinical and research capabilities. The university works across education, healthcare delivery and research, with a focus on developing institutional capacity and collaborating with national and international partners.

About Immuna Therapeutics AG

Immuna Therapeutics AG is a Switzerland-based biotechnology company focused on developing approaches to expand access to cancer care through cell and gene therapies, including technology transfer and partnerships with local healthcare institutions.

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