By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : October 16, 2026 6:18 pm
Deal marks a strategic push into next-generation CAR-T therapies, with pipeline programmes targeting non-Hodgkin lymphoma and small cell lung cancer
Mankind Pharma, through its subsidiary Mankind Pharma (Netherlands) B.V., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 70% stake in Armed Cell Therapeutics B.V. (ACTx), a Belgium-incorporated biotechnology company developing next-generation chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies for cancer. Mankind will invest €48 million (Rs 511 crore) as part of the transaction.
The acquisition is part of Mankind Pharma’s long-term strategy to build a global, innovation-led pharmaceutical business and expand its presence in complex and chronic therapy areas. Through the partnership, the company aims to gain access to differentiated scientific platforms, an experienced research and development team, and a pipeline of next-generation CAR-T candidates.
Armed Cell Therapeutics is developing a pipeline of advanced CAR-T assets, with lead programmes targeting non-Hodgkin lymphoma and small cell lung cancer. The company is also pursuing innovative approaches to CAR-T therapy, including in vivo CAR-T cell generation, which aims to enable CAR-T cells to be generated inside the patient’s body rather than manufactured outside the body and subsequently administered.
ACTx’s research and development activities are led by experienced teams based in the United States and Europe.
CAR-T therapies have transformed the treatment landscape for certain blood cancers. However, their broader effectiveness remains challenged by factors such as limited persistence of CAR-T cells, T-cell exhaustion, and the emergence of cancer cells resistant to treatment. Solid tumours present additional challenges, including difficulties in penetrating tumour tissue and functioning within hostile tumour microenvironments.
Armed Cell Therapeutics is developing CAR-T cells engineered with additional payloads designed to strengthen and sustain their anti-tumour activity, with the goal of achieving deeper and more durable responses. Its approach also includes targeting multiple cancer antigens to reduce the likelihood of cancer cells evading treatment.
Arjun Juneja, Chief Operating Officer, Mankind Pharma said, “Innovation will be one of the defining growth engines for Mankind over the coming decades. This investment is the first step in building a global pipeline of breakthrough therapies. As the company scales its presence across complex and chronic therapy areas, Mankind, with this venture, is getting access to cutting-edge & differentiated scientific platforms, experienced leadership team and potential to generate multiple next-generation CAR-T candidates.”
“Our long-term ambition is not only to participate in scientific innovation globally, but ultimately to make these transformative therapies more accessible to patients in India and around the world,” added Juneja.
Dr. Paul Stoffels, Chair of the Board, Armed Cell Therapeutics, said, “Next-generation CAR-T therapies can reach many more patients if we make them more powerful and durable. Armed Cell Therapeutics has the assets, the team and now the backing of Mankind to do exactly that. I am pleased to chair the Board and support the team.”