Hyderabad biotech startup achieves world’s first animal trial success for stem cell–exosome liver therapy
Hyderabad: In a major development for India’s biotechnology sector, Tulsi Therapeutics, a startup incubated at ASPIRE-BioNEST, University of Hyderabad, has announced the world’s first successful animal trial of a novel combination therapy for chronic liver failure using stem cells and exosomes.
The investigational product, Tulsi-28X, is a first-of-its-kind therapy derived from Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells and their native exosomes. While the concept was initiated in the United States, the platform was fully developed in India over three years at ASPIRE-BioNEST.
The preclinical trial, conducted in collaboration with international experts including Dr. Naga Chalasani (Indiana University, USA) and Dr. Ajay Duseja (PGIMER, Chandigarh), showed that all animals treated with Tulsi-28X experienced reversal of liver fibrosis, with no deaths reported. In contrast, the untreated control group saw only 14% fibrosis reversal and a 43% mortality rate. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.001 for reversal; p<0.0066 for mortality).
“This is a significant step for India’s biotech industry,” said Dr. Sairam Atluri, Founder and CEO of Tulsi Therapeutics. “ASPIRE-BioNEST gave us the platform to turn our idea into a viable scientific solution. Human trials are next, but this result shows real promise for a new class of biologics in liver disease.”
Tulsi-28X works by secreting regenerative proteins and growth factors that promote repair of damaged liver tissue. The therapy is being positioned as a potential alternative to liver transplantation, currently the only definitive treatment for chronic liver failure.
The findings were presented at the AASLD 2024 Liver Conference in San Diego and accepted for publication in the Journal of Regenerative Medicine.
Tulsi Therapeutics is also believed to be the first company globally to develop a dual stem cell–exosome biologic. Human trials are planned in collaboration with Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad.
“We aim to develop affordable, effective regenerative therapies,” said Dr. Ravi Bonthala, Chief Scientific Officer at Tulsi Therapeutics. “Our next goal is clinical translation.”
Chronic liver failure accounts for nearly 20% of global liver-related deaths, with limited treatment options available. Tulsi-28X could represent a shift in how such conditions are managed.
“This achievement shows how India’s innovation ecosystem, through institutions like the University of Hyderabad and support from BIRAC, is capable of delivering globally relevant biotech solutions,” said Prof. B.J. Rao, Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad.
Dr. Anil Kondreddy, CEO of ASPIRE-BioNEST, added, “This success illustrates our mission to support science-led innovation with real-world impact. It shows what’s possible when startups, academia, and policy align.”
About ASPIRE-BioNEST
ASPIRE-BioNEST is a life sciences incubator at the University of Hyderabad, supported by BIRAC, Department of Biotechnology (Government of India). It provides infrastructure, mentoring, and funding access to early-stage biotech startups. Since inception, it has supported over 75 startups and was named “Best Emerging Bio-Incubator” by BIRAC in 2021.
About Tulsi Therapeutics
Tulsi Therapeutics is a Hyderabad-based startup focused on regenerative therapies using stem cells and exosomes. Founded by Dr. Sairam Atluri, the company is part of the BIRAC-supported incubator network and is working to develop biologics for diseases with few treatment options.
About Tulsi-28X
Tulsi-28X is a proprietary combination of Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their native exosomes. It is currently undergoing preclinical development in animal models for the treatment of chronic liver failure, with promising potential for future clinical translation.
