Dr Reddys shares rise on positive outcome from India's maiden CAR-T cell trial for blood cancer

Dr Reddys share price has risen 16 percent since the start of the year.

Shares of Dr Reddys Laboratories rose over a percent to Rs 6,755 in morning trade on October 9 after its subsidiary, Aurigene Oncology Limited, reported positive outcomes from its first clinical trial of Ribrecabtagene autoleucel (DRL-1801). This marked a milestone in India’s use of CAR-T cell therapy for treating multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.

The trial also showed a favorable safety profile, as no severe side effects like Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) or neurotoxicity were observed. Based on these Phase 1 results, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved the commencement of Phase 2.

In the SWASTH study, all eight participants responded to the treatment, with 62.5 percent achieving a complete response. These patients had undergone an average of 5.5 previous treatments, including transplants.

Murali Ramachandra, CEO of Aurigene Oncology said that drug has the potential to be transformative for Indian myeloma patients. Ribrecabtagene autoleucel uses a targeted antibody and lentivirus to combat cancer cells and is produced at Aurigene’s Bangalore facility. Established in 2002, Aurigene focuses on cancer therapies and has 10 drugs in its development pipeline.

At about 6,707, higher by 1 percent from the last close on the NSE. Dr Reddys share price has risen 16 percent since the start of the year.