VeGen Labs LLP Awarded Rs3.765 cr in Funding from BIRAC

Hyderabad: VeGen Labs LLP, a pioneering biotech startup incubated at ASPIRE-TBI and ASPIRE-BioNEST, University of Hyderabad (UoH), has been awarded Rs3765 crore 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 approximately 85 per cent of cases. Each year, the country reports over 70,000 new lung cancer diagnoses, with many patients identified at advanced stages. Targeted therapies, such as KRAS inhibitors, hold the potential to transform treatment outcomes. With growing awareness, early diagnosis, and access to advanced therapies, India’s NSCLC market is poised for significant growth, driving demand for innovative cancer treatments.

The BIRAC funding will enable VeGen Labs to complete critical studies required for Investigational New Drug (IND) submission. Upon successful completion, the company will be prepared to initiate first-in-human clinical trials, further strengthening India’s position in drug discovery and precision oncology.

Prashant Bhavar, Founder & Director, VeGen Labs, acknowledged the pivotal role of BIRAC and the University of Hyderabad in the company’s growth. He expressed gratitude for their continued support and the cutting-edge infrastructure that has facilitated VeGen Labs’ scale-up.

Prof B J Rao, Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad, emphasised the importance of fostering biotech innovation, stating: "The success of startups like VeGen Labs underscores the impact of Aspire-BioNest and Aspire-TBI in nurturing cutting-edge research. Supporting high-impact drug discovery is crucial for strengthening India’s role in global healthcare, and we take pride in seeing VeGen Labs drive groundbreaking cancer treatments from our incubation ecosystem. Investors should come forward to support innovative drug development, enabling the Indian pharmaceutical industry to transition from a generics-driven market to one focused on novel discoveries, advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat."

VeGen Labs is the first Indian biotech company developing a KRAS inhibitor for both domestic and global markets, setting new benchmarks in Indian-led cancer research. This milestone underscores India’s growing capabilities in advanced drug development and precision medicine. VeGen Labs has demonstrated that world-class innovation can emerge from India and make a significant impact on the global market, paving the way for future breakthroughs in biotech and pharmaceutical research.