Arun Mehra

MD & CEO

Trials of personalized immunotherapy conducted on two Australian melanoma patients have unveiled promising results, illuminating new horizons in the realm of cancer treatments. Beyond these shores, numer­ous instances worldwide reveal that cancer immunothera­py is forging profound breakthroughs, expanding the land­scape of therapeutic possibilities. Yet, the chasm between theory and practical application remains vast. Crafting singular immunotherapy demands clinically validated proof of concepts, alongside favourable outcomes at ev­ery phase of clinical trials. Most crucially, it is essential to enlighten patients about these avant-garde solutions and offer them pathways to healing. While relentless research and development are underway globally, only a handful of viable options in cancer immunotherapy have emerged. APAC Biotech’s Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy stands out as a patented and clinically validated solution, warmly em­braced by patients in India and beyond, earning high acco­lades in the domain of cancer immunotherapy.

What sets APAC Biotech’s therapy apart is its autologous nature. Unlike the predominantly chemical-based cancer immunotherapies available today, this innovative approach harnesses the very essence of the patient’s immune system. “To prepare a dendritic cell, we first procure peripheral mononuclear cells from the patient. Here, we tap into the innate power of the patient’s immune defences. With the gathered samples, we cultivate master immune cells in a laboratory setting using an in-vitro process. This bipolar treatment leverages substances derived from living organisms to combat cancer,” shared Arun Mehra, MD & CEO of APAC Biotech.

Standing Out

The personalized immunotherapy offered by APAC Biotech resides within the realm of regenerative medicine, a sector that is rigorously regulated across the globe. Various regulatory bodies in different regions adhere to their guidelines. The Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) in Japan oversees pharmaceutical products, and India embraced the PMDA’s model of approval in 2014 under which results from smaller trials are conducted with safety and show trends of efficacy should not be kept away from the patients. Under these auspices, the company’s Dendritic Cell Therapy has received approval for treatment. However, different regulatory authorities govern this treatment globally, preventing patients from accessing this cutting-edge therapy domestically. This limitation has become a boon for APAC Biotech, allowing it to provide this treatment to overseas patients in India. “We have welcomed patients from overseas who have greatly benefited from our treatment. India’s adherence to the PMDA regulatory model facilitates timely access to approved therapies, especially in regenerative medicine,” the MD elaborated.

The company is also deeply engaged in R&D, diligently pursuing new methodologies for cancer treatment. Presently, it stands as a formidable option in regenerative medicine, a trusted and clinically sanctioned process. Within its laboratories, Dendritic Cells are cultivated, and the use of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) from the patient’s own body adds a layer of uniqueness and trustworthiness to the solution. “Creating personalized (autologous) therapy—from leukapheresis to production and shipping for infusion—demands meticulous logistical coordination. APAC's logistics team ensures timely sample collection and delivery to the clinical site,” remarked the MD.

Before the onset of the pandemic, APAC Biotech collaborated with Diaknos Inc. Houston, USA to pioneer innovative solutions for brain and pancreatic cancers. We are making efforts to restart our cooperation in the near future. Furthermore, the company strictly adheres to cleanroom specifications mandated by regulatory authorities while maintaining an eco-friendly ethos within its manufacturing laboratories. While firm in its belief that it harbours effective treatments for certain cancers, the company acknowledges the long journey ahead in the field of regenerative medicine.

Looking Ahead

Since its establishment, APAC Biotech has garnered substantial trust and expertise within India’s regenerative medicine sector. As it looks toward the future, the company aspires to broaden its array of solutions and form alliances with esteemed pharmaceutical organizations for collaborative research. “While abundant growth opportunities exist in India, the current repertoire of solutions remains limited. Our goal is to serve over 15,000 patients in the next five years,” concluded the MD.