Nucelion Therapeutics and Pandorum Technologies Partner on Ophthalmology Projects with ₹17 Crore Outlay

Nucelion Therapeutics and Pandorum Technologies have joined forces to develop investigational therapies for advanced keratopathy and wet AMD. The two projects feature a combined outlay of ₹17 crore, including support from the Centre's PRIP scheme.

BENGALURU/HYDERABAD — Nucelion Therapeutics, a gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and a subsidiary of Bharat Biotech, has partnered with tissue engineering and regenerative medicine firm Pandorum Technologies to undertake two ophthalmology projects.

The collaboration focuses on developing investigational therapies targeting advanced keratopathy and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). The initiative has a combined planned financial outlay of approximately ₹17 crore. This includes up to ₹8 crore in funding secured under the Central government's Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma Medtech (PRIP) scheme.

Under the partnership, Bengaluru-based Pandorum will work on developing cell-free regenerative medicines utilizing designer exosomes. These exosomes carry biological signals responsible for cell-to-cell communication. The collaboration aims to combine Pandorum's programmable regenerative medicine design with reproducible manufacturing capabilities being built domestically with national research support.

Hyderabad-based Nucelion will handle process development and manufacturing support for Pandorum's designer exosomes. Nucelion's contributions will align directly with the specific requirements and development stages of each individual programme.

The broader agreement between the two companies is designed to supply material manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. These materials are intended for use in clinical studies both within India and internationally, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

Additionally, Pandorum's advanced-keratopathy programme is specifically directed toward the clinical evaluation of investigational therapies meant for severe corneal disease.

"This collaboration between Nucelion Therapeutics and Pandorum Technologies highlights the growing strength of India's biotech and medical technology sectors. By combining advanced regenerative medicine design with structured CDMO manufacturing support, and leveraging government backing through the PRIP scheme, these companies are laying a solid foundation for domestic clinical research and development in ophthalmology." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes