India is witnessing a growing burden of metabolic, degenerative and autoimmune diseases driven by lifestyle factors and environmental pollution with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory disorders, kidney disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammatory illnesses becoming increasingly prevalent. These illnesses are imposing a heavy emotional and economic burden on patients, families and society. Emerging scientific evidence from preclinical and early clinical studies worldwide suggests that stem cell therapies may help bridge this significant therapeutic gap in the current healthcare system.
In a move aimed at advancing regenerative medicine in the public sector, a Stem Cell Lab Centre of Excellence was inaugurated at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, on Monday. The facility was inaugurated by Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha in the presence of NIMS doctors and representatives of Tulsi Therapeutics, the private firm that has established the laboratory in collaboration with NIMS.
Speaking to The Hindu, Tulsi Therapeutics founder Sairam Atluri said that the primary function of the lab is to manufacture clinical-grade stem cells that could eventually be used in human patients through regulated clinical trials. He said that before any treatment can begin, the facility must first receive approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. “Once these regulatory permissions are in place, we plan to initiate clinical trials, starting with patients suffering from liver failure,” he added.
Explaining the concept of stem cell therapy in simple terms, the Health Minister compared stem cells to seeds that give rise to large trees. He said that just as a seed has the potential to grow into a mighty tree, stem cells have the ability to develop into new cells and organs within the human body. He added that such regenerative potential could open new avenues for treating diseases that currently has limited therapeutic options.
He pointed out that at present, stem cell therapy is largely available only in select corporate hospitals, where treatment costs several lakhs of rupees. He said the establishment of this centre at NIMS is intended to bridge this gap and bring advanced medical services within the reach of ordinary people, particularly those dependent on government healthcare institutions.
