BENGALURU: NKure Therapeutics Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based biotech innovator, and CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP), a global leader in gene-based medicines, today announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and commercialize CTX112™, a CRISPR/Cas9-engineered allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy, in India.

CTX112 is an investigational off-the-shelf therapy targeting CD19 for relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Unlike traditional autologous CAR T therapies that require patient-specific cell modification, CTX112 is derived from healthy donor cells, gene-edited using CRISPR/Cas9, and produced at scale—potentially reducing both cost and treatment delays.

India faces a significant cancer burden, reporting approximately 41,600 new non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases annually—about 85% of which are B-cell lymphomas. While India recently approved its first autologous CAR T therapies, accessibility remains limited due to high costs and complex manufacturing. CTX112 offers a promising alternative with faster, more scalable access.

“India needs affordable, timely cancer care,” said Lalit Pai, CEO of NKure Therapeutics. “This partnership with CRISPR Therapeutics aims to deliver next-generation CAR T treatments that are both effective and accessible.”

“We are proud to extend our global impact by bringing CTX112 to Indian patients through our collaboration with NKure,” said Dr. Naimish Patel, Chief Medical Officer, CRISPR Therapeutics. “This is a meaningful step toward democratizing gene-based cancer therapies worldwide.”

CTX112 is currently in clinical trials and is designed with multiple gene edits to enhance cell persistence, immune evasion, and efficacy. The partnership is aimed at accelerating regulatory approval and broadening patient access across India’s oncology landscape.