In a historic milestone, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Hyderabad-based Laurus Labs to introduce groundbreaking gene therapy assets to the market.
This collaboration marks a paradigm shift with regards to innovation and advancement in the field of bioengineering in India, with this unprecedented industry-first investment in a faculty research group.
In accordance with the MoA, IIT-K will transfer several gene therapy assets through in-licensing to Laurus Labs, who will provide a research grant to facilitate their progression through pre-clinical development.
Laurus Labs will also fund the necessary clinical trials and spearhead the launch of these cutting-edge products not only in India but also in emerging markets. In addition, Laurus Labs will establish a state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility at IIT-K's Techno Park, bolstering the production capabilities of gene therapy products.
They will actively engage in the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) business for cell and gene therapy, leveraging the capabilities of the GMP facility.
IIT-K’s Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering (BSBE) has been spearheading development of innovative gene therapy strategies for monogenic human diseases and cancers, utilising molecular, cellular, and preclinical models.
