CGT Global Convergence 2026: India must bridge innovation and patient access, says Ravi Boratkar

India must focus on making cell and gene therapies (CGT) accessible, affordable, scalable and sustainable as the sector moves from scientific breakthroughs towards wider clinical adoption, said Ravi Boratkar, Managing Trustee, MMA Spectrum Foundation; Publisher, BioSpectrum; and Managing Director, MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications, during the inaugural session of the Cell and Gene Therapy Global Convergence 2026.

The convergence was organised by MMA Spectrum Foundation and BioSpectrum, bringing together stakeholders from across the global cell and gene therapy ecosystem, including scientists, clinicians, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry leaders.

Addressing delegates, Boratkar said CGT is transforming healthcare by moving beyond disease management towards therapies that can address diseases at their source. He highlighted advances in gene editing, regenerative medicine, genomics, artificial intelligence and precision medicine as key drivers accelerating innovation in the field.

However, he noted that scientific progress alone would not determine the success of CGT. Manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory pathways, supply-chain management, long-term safety monitoring and reimbursement remain significant challenges in translating therapies from laboratories to patients.

“Regulatory approval is only the beginning. The ultimate success of these therapies will be measured by their ability to reach the patients who need them most,” Boratakar said.

He highlighted India’s opportunity to emerge as a significant contributor to the global CGT ecosystem, supported by its scientific talent, pharmaceutical and biotechnology capabilities, clinical research infrastructure and ability to innovate at scale and lower cost.

The development of indigenous CAR-T therapies, he said, demonstrates India’s growing ability to develop advanced cell therapies domestically and offer them at comparatively lower costs. He also pointed to growing capabilities in cell processing, gene therapy, vector manufacturing, gene editing and translational medicine.

Boratkar said the convergence aims to foster collaboration between researchers, industry, investors, policymakers and practitioners while strengthening the ecosystem for innovation and patient access.

He also expressed gratitude to knowledge partner Medrenova, particularly Dr Bakhale, as well as sponsors, supporters and collaborators for their contribution to the event.