Vector BioMed and Muni Seva Ashram Partner to Bring CAR-T Cell Therapy to Rural India

First patients expected to be treated in Q1 2026 at Gujarat's Kailash Cancer Hospital

GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vector BioMed, a purpose-driven contract vector development and manufacturing organization (CVDMO) focused on advancing access to cell and gene therapies, today announced a strategic partnership with Muni Seva Ashram's Kailash Cancer Hospital and Research Center (KCHRC) in Gujarat, India. This collaboration positions Vector BioMed as the preferred and exclusive CVDMO partner for KCHRC's cell therapy program, helping expand affordable CAR-T cancer treatment to underserved populations.

The partnership began in June 2024 after more than a year of due diligence, site visits, and technical evaluations led by KCHRC's leadership, including Dr. Vikram Patel. The hospital is expected to begin treating its first patients with autologous CAR-T cell therapy in Q1 2026, making it the first site in Gujarat and one of the first in India to deliver advanced treatments outside of a major metropolitan area. Vector BioMed supplies rapid CAR-T formats of prebuilt CARs and validated processes, including a cell manufacturing process ready anti-CD19 CAR-T solution and other IND-ready product options for the production of autologous CAR-T therapies. Constructed to streamline development for hospitals and researchers, this introduces speed, consistency, and a dramatic improvement to the global standard of care for cancer treatment.

Located in rural Gujarat, KCHRC serves over 70,000 outpatients annually, offering reduced (donor supported)- or no-cost care to more than 60% of its patients. The hospital is part of Muni Seva Ashram, a nonprofit institution founded to provide equitable healthcare to India's most vulnerable communities. With 400 beds, 10 operating rooms, three linear accelerators, and growing GMP capabilities, KCHRC is quickly becoming a regional hub for cutting-edge therapeutics.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Muni Seva Ashram and be a part of bringing financially feasible treatments to patients who never imagined having access," said Dr. Boro Dropulić, CEO of Vector BioMed. "Through this partnership, we're delivering one of the world's most advanced cancer therapies to communities that have long been excluded from cutting-edge care. It's a powerful step toward making world-class care truly universal."

Vector BioMed is supporting the rollout with its LENTIVERSE™ system, a true platform solution designed for flexibility, affordability, and scalability—especially for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The platform technology allows for the treatment of one patient per day, isn't locked into expensive process technologies, and significantly reduces costs compared to other proprietary systems, making it ideal for nonprofit and resource-limited hospitals like KCHRC.

"This collaboration brings us closer to our goal of providing world-class cancer treatment to every patient who walks through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay," said Dr. Vikram Patel, Chair of Muni Seva Ashram. "Vector BioMed's knowledge and excellence in vector manufacturing and clinical support has strongly impacted our cell therapy efforts – and will soon greatly impact the lives of our patients."

The partnership is being highlighted in an upcoming live global webinar hosted by the Cell & Gene community (Life Science Connect) titled "Fulfilling the Promise of Advanced Therapies and a Noble Cause," on July 24, 2025 at 11:00am ET / 8:00am PT / 8:30pm IST. The session will explore how advanced therapies can be made accessible in low-resource settings through mission-driven models.

Click here to register.

"We're living our mission of immediate global access – delivering real solutions to real people – which directly supports Muni Seva Ashram's institution. Together, we're breaking economic and geographic barriers," added Dr. Dropulić. "With Muni Seva Ashram, we're proving that access to life-saving therapies should not depend on where you live or what you can afford."

About Vector BioMed

Vector BioMed is a public benefit corporation redefining lentiviral vector manufacturing for accessible, affordable cell and gene therapies. Spun out of the nonprofit Caring Cross, the company supports biotech startups, research institutions, and global health systems with customizable and off-the-shelf vector solutions that simplify development and bridge innovation to cure.

About Muni Seva Ashram / Kailash Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (KCHRC)

Muni Seva Ashram's Kailash Cancer Hospital & Research Centre is a nonprofit institution redefining rural cancer care through compassionate, comprehensive oncology services. Based in Goraj, Gujarat, the 400-bed facility delivers surgical, pediatric, and radiation treatment with a multidisciplinary, patient-first approach. Recognized for clinical excellence and sustainability innovation, KCHRC integrates advanced care with clean energy solutions—offering world-class treatment in a setting committed to equity, dignity, and environmental responsibility.

Media Contacts:
Bryce Goodman — Vector BioMed Marketing and Communications Director | bryce.goodman@vectorbiomed.com

Dr. Indraneel Ghosh — Vector BioMed India Country Manager | indraneel.ghosh@vectorbiomed.com

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SOURCE Vector BioMed