Media Release
Udupi, Oct 28: The Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research (MCBR), in collaboration with the Consultancy and Entrepreneurship Research Vertical, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, hosted the inauguration of the ‘Cell Therapy Conclave’ on October 25 at the Dr TMA Pai Auditorium, Manipal. The event brought together leading experts, researchers, and students to explore the future of cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
Dr Anand Venugopal, chief operating officer of Teaching Hospitals, MAHE, Manipal, served as the chief guest for the event. His presence emphasized the crucial role that institutions like MCBR play in the advancement of medical science, particularly in the field of regenerative medicine.
B N Manohar, MD and CEO of Stempeutics Research Pvt Ltd, the guest of honour, delivered an insightful address, highlighting the transformative potential of cell therapy in modern healthcare. "Stem cell research is at the forefront of medical breakthroughs today. The therapies being developed will not only offer cures for chronic diseases but will also open doors to entirely new avenues of treatment," he said. "India is making significant strides in this domain, and the work being done at institutions like MCBR will be pivotal in bringing these therapies to patients."
The event was presided over by Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, pro vice chancellor of health sciences at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), who delivered the presidential address. He remarked, "The field of cell therapy has the potential to redefine how we approach some of the most challenging diseases. At MAHE, we are committed to driving innovation and supporting research that has the power to improve patient outcomes globally." He also emphasized MAHE's vision to foster collaboration between academia and industry to accelerate the translation of research into clinical practice.
Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, welcomed the gathering and underscored the importance of continued collaboration between research institutions and clinical applications to address critical healthcare challenges. Dr Raviraja N Seetharam, chief operating officer and professor and head of MCBR, provided a preamble on the conclave's significance, outlining the latest advancements in cell-based therapies and the role of MCBR in driving innovation in this field.
Following the inauguration, the ‘Cell Therapy Conclave’ featured a series of insightful presentations. B N Manohar, MD & CEO of Stempeutics Research Pvt Ltd, opened with a session on the ‘Opportunities and challenges in commercializing cell therapy products’, addressing the global outlook and hurdles in this field. Dr Rajarshi Pal, co-founder of Eyestem Research, followed with a talk on iPSC-derived RPE cell replacement therapy for age-related macular degeneration. Dr Lakshmikanth Gandikota of Immuneel Therapeutics highlighted advances in CAR-T cell therapy for cancer care.
In the afternoon, Dr Nikhil Jain of Sai Life Sciences discussed the 3Cs in science – concept, create, and commercial, while Ajay Mody from Medispec India showcased Agilent's next generation solutions for cell and gene therapy. The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion, followed by multiple breakout sessions, allowing participants to engage in detailed discussions on various facets of cell therapy, including research challenges, regulatory frameworks, and future directions for clinical applications.
The ‘Cell Therapy Conclave’ served as a platform for participants to exchange knowledge, network, and discuss the groundbreaking work being done in cell-based therapies. The day's proceedings underscored the commitment of MCBR and its partners to advancing research in this transformative field of medicine.