A nurse walks past the newly opened advanced stem cell research center at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad on Monday. | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G.
India is witnessing an increasing burden of metabolic, degenerative and autoimmune diseases caused by lifestyle factors and environmental pollution, with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory disorders, kidney disease, diabetes and chronic inflammatory diseases becoming more prevalent. These diseases place a great emotional and economic burden on patients, families and society. Emerging scientific evidence from preclinical and early clinical trials worldwide suggests that stem cell therapies may help bridge this significant therapeutic gap in the current health care system.
In a move to advance regenerative medicine in the public sector, a Stem Cell Laboratory was inaugurated at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad on Monday. The facility was inaugurated by Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha in the presence of NIMS doctors and representatives of the private firm Tulsi Therapeutics, which established the laboratory in collaboration with NIMS.
Tulsi Therapeutics founder Sairam Atluri told The Hindu that the lab’s primary function is to produce clinical-grade stem cells that could eventually be used in human patients through regulated clinical trials. He said the facility must first get approval from the Central Drug Standards Organization before starting any treatment. “Once these regulatory approvals are in place, we plan to begin clinical trials, starting with patients suffering from liver failure,” he added.
The Minister of Health explained the concept of stem cell therapy in a simple way and compared stem cells to seeds from which big trees grow. 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 in the human body. He added that such regenerative potential could open new avenues for the treatment of diseases that currently have limited therapeutic options.
He pointed out that at present stem cell therapy is largely available only in select corporate hospitals where the treatment costs several crores of rupees. He said the establishment of this center at NIMS is to bridge this gap and make advanced medical services available to common people, especially those who are dependent on government health facilities.
Published – 19 Jan 2026 21:13 IST
