University of Hyderabad’s VeGen Labs secures Rs. 3.7 crore funding to advance cancer drug research

Hyderabad: VeGen Labs LLP, a biotech start-up incubated at the University of Hyderabad’s ASPIRE-TBI and ASPIRE-BioNEST, has been awarded ₹3.765 crores in funding from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), an agency under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in India, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for around 85% of cases. The country reports over 70,000 new lung cancer diagnoses each year, many at advanced stages. Targeted therapies like KRAS inhibitors have the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes. As awareness, early diagnosis, and access to advanced therapies grow, the demand for innovative cancer treatments is expected to rise.

The BIRAC funding will support VeGen Labs in completing essential studies required for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application. Successful completion of these studies will enable the company to initiate first-in-human clinical trials, strengthening India’s role in drug discovery and precision oncology.

Prashant Bhavar, Founder & Director of VeGen Labs, expressed gratitude to BIRAC and the University of Hyderabad for their ongoing support and cutting-edge infrastructure that has enabled the company’s growth.

Prof. B. J. Rao, Vice Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad, highlighted the role of ASPIRE-BioNEST and ASPIRE-TBI in fostering biotech innovation. He stated, “The success of VeGen Labs underscores the importance of nurturing groundbreaking research. Supporting drug discovery efforts like this is crucial to transitioning India’s pharmaceutical market from generics to novel, high-impact drug development.”

VeGen Labs is the first Indian biotech company developing a KRAS inhibitor for both domestic and global markets, marking a milestone in India’s cancer research landscape. This achievement highlights India’s growing capabilities in drug development and precision medicine, paving the way for future breakthroughs in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.