NIMS University Rajasthan Signs $3 Million CAR-T Therapy Partnership
NIMS University Rajasthan and Switzerland-based Immuna Therapeutics AG have announced a US$3 million partnership to develop a local model for CAR-T therapy delivery, research and training in Rajasthan.
The collaboration was announced on October 14, 2026, at the World Health Summit in Berlin. The partners plan to establish a Rajasthan Centre of Excellence for CAR-T clinical delivery, research and training. The announcement describes a proposed initiative; it does not mean that the centre is already operational or that a new therapy has received regulatory approval.
How the $3 million partnership is structured
| Partner | Planned contribution | Proposed role |
|---|---|---|
| NIMS University Rajasthan | US$2 million | Infrastructure, clinical operations and patient care |
| Immuna Therapeutics AG | US$1 million | Technology, training and technical implementation |
| Combined partnership | US$3 million | Develop a local CAR-T care, research and training model |
The proposed model would combine a Jaipur-based clinical hub with patient identification and referrals across Rajasthan. The partners say they aim to build local clinical capacity and explore ways to improve access, including possible links with government health programmes, insurers, corporate social responsibility funding and other hospitals.
What is CAR-T cell therapy?
CAR-T, or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, is a form of cancer treatment that uses a patient’s immune cells. In broad terms, T cells are collected and modified so they can recognise selected cancer cells, then returned to the patient. The treatment requires specialised facilities, clinical oversight and careful patient monitoring. Its suitability depends on medical assessment and the relevant regulatory approvals.
What the partnership plans to develop
- A Rajasthan Centre of Excellence for CAR-T clinical delivery, research and training.
- Technology transfer and technical support from Immuna to NIMS.
- Training, standard operating procedures and quality-process implementation.
- Clinical and academic capacity to support advanced cell and gene therapy work.
- A proposed patient-package price cap of ₹30 lakh, as stated in the announcement.
The partners have framed affordability and decentralised delivery as central aims. The announcement says the proposed price cap is intended to make treatment more accessible, but final costs, eligibility, availability and delivery arrangements will depend on implementation and applicable approvals. Patients should consult qualified oncology specialists for treatment decisions.
NIMS–Immuna partnership timeline
| Stage | Update |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2026 | Partnership announced at the World Health Summit in Berlin. |
| Planned development | Build the proposed Jaipur-based clinical hub and establish training and technical processes. |
| Future implementation | Develop patient referral and access pathways, subject to operational and regulatory requirements. |
The NIMS University Rajasthan and Immuna Therapeutics partnership aims to bring advanced cancer-care capabilities closer to patients in Rajasthan. Its next major steps are the development of local infrastructure, workforce training and clinical processes. The partnership’s impact will depend on how these plans are implemented and on the approvals required for CAR-T services.
