Cipla Partners Kemwell & Manipal for Global Cell Therapy Advancements

The collaborative effort aims to focus on the development and commercialisation of innovative cell therapy products targeting critical unmet medical needs in the United States, Japan, and the European Union.

Global pharmaceutical company Cipla has joined hands with Kemwell Biopharma and Manipal Education & Medical Group in the US. The joint venture seeks to expedite the development, manufacturing, and distribution of cell therapies.

Cipla's European subsidiary, Cipla (EU), will acquire a 35.2% stake in the newly formed joint venture. Further, the partnership will leverage Cipla's expertise in product development and commercialisation. While Kemwell will contribute to the biologics sector, and Manipal in healthcare delivery efforts.

The collaborative effort aims to focus on the development and commercialisation of innovative cell therapy products targeting critical unmet medical needs in the United States, Japan, and the European Union.

On the partnership, Umang Vohra, MD & Global CEO, Cipla said, "This collaboration will lead the way in transformative therapies encompassing stem cell and CAR T-cell advancements. Harnessing the forefront of biotech, mRNA, and cell-engineering research, our objective is to meaningfully impact patient lives globally. Guiding Cipla forward, our partnership with Kemwell and Manipal Group is the key to achieving these advancements."

Founded in 1953, Manipal Education & Medical Group, a leader in education, healthcare, research, and insurance services, manages universities, medical colleges, teaching hospitals, and healthcare institutions. The group's research arm, Stempeutics Research, focuses on developing innovative stem cell products through cutting-edge research and clinical applications.

Sharing thoughts, Ranjan Pai, chairman, Manipal Education & Medical Group, said, "We are pleased to collaborate with Cipla and Kemwell in advancing the next generation of biological therapies to meet global medical needs. We anticipate cell therapy products serving as a pivotal advancement, offering advanced therapeutic solutions for millions grappling with debilitating diseases."

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Kemwell is a leading biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) in Asia. Offering end-to-end services for mammalian cell culture-based products, Kemwell's facilities include cGMP drug substance manufacturing suites and sterile fill and finish lines for drug product manufacturing.

Sharing thoughts on the cell therapy development & manufacturing, Anurag Bagaria, chairman & CEO, Kemwell, said, “Cell therapies are becoming a major branch of medical treatment and a standard of care for challenging diseases. Kemwell's investment in a cGMP facility in Bangalore positions India as an emerging hub for cell therapy development and manufacturing.”

Founded in 1935, Cipla is a global pharmaceutical company with a focus on agile and sustainable growth, operating in India, South Africa, North America, and key regulated and emerging markets. The joint venture aligns with Cipla's commitment to innovation, diversification, and addressing critical medical needs.

In a continuation of their digital health Innovations, Cipla's latest move involves an additional investment of INR 42 Cr ($5.04 million) in Mumbai-based healthtech startup GoApptiv. This builds upon their initial acquisition in June 2020, where Cipla secured a 21.85% stake, progressively increasing to 22.99% with a total investment of INR 25.90 Cr.