Adding to its trail of many achievements, the Indian Institute of Technology, (IIT) Kanpur signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Hyderabad-based Laurus Labs Ltd on June 19. Through this partnership, Laurus labs will in-license novel gene therapy assets from IITK, especially those relating to Adeno Associated Virus (AAV), and eventually bring them to market.

As part of the agreement, Laurus Labs also plans to set up a Goods Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility at the Techno Park facility of IITK.

Together, Laurus Labs and IIT Kanpur will bring cell and gene therapy (CGT) in the country at affordable pricing as these therapies are still not available in India. Additionally, this allows Laurus labs to offer CDMO services to cell and gene therapy companies. 

This partnership also provides a unique model for industry-academia collaborations, and how one can leverage strengths from both the sections for the benefit of patients. IITK has a proven record of being a flag bearer for advancing research in India and this collaboration takes it to the next level.

Highlighting the significant milestone, Laurus Labs took to Twitter to announce the big news.