New Delhi, India, October 15, 2026: Mankind Pharma (BSE: 543904 | NSE: MANKIND), through its subsidiary Mankind Pharma (Netherlands) B.V., has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 70% majority stake in Armed Cell Therapeutics B.V. (ACTx), a Belgium-based biotechnology company developing next-generation armed CAR-T therapies for cancer.
Transaction Highlights
- Investment: EUR 48 million for 70% stake in ACTx
- Pipeline: Lead programs in non-Hodgkin lymphoma and small cell lung cancer
- Innovation: Exploring in vivo CAR-T cell generation and multi-antigen targeting
- R&D Footprint: Experienced teams across the US and EU
Founders and Leadership
ACTx was founded by a team with deep expertise in drug development, cell therapy, and biotech leadership:
- Dr. Paul Stoffels, MD – Chair of the Board, former CEO of Galapagos, former Chief Scientific Officer of Johnson & Johnson
- Dr. John Mellors, MD – Chief Scientific Officer, Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, former SVP Discovery & Early Development at Galapagos
- Peter Verhaeghe – Former Chair of argenx, Managing Partner at VVGB Advocaten-Avocats, and board member of several European biotech firms
Scientific Context
CAR-T therapies have revolutionised treatment for certain blood cancers, but challenges remain:
- Relapse due to lack of CAR-T persistence, CAR-T exhaustion, or resistant cancer cells
- Difficulty in penetrating solid tumours and functioning in hostile microenvironments
Armed CAR-T cells are engineered with additional payloads to strengthen and sustain anti-tumour activity, aiming for deeper and more durable responses. Multi-antigen targeting reduces the risk of cancer cell escape.
Strategic Vision
This acquisition strengthens Mankind Pharma’s ambition to become an innovation-driven, research-focused healthcare company, enhancing its ability to deliver advanced therapies globally while remaining committed to quality, affordability, and accessibility.
Mr. Arjun Juneja, Chief Operating Officer, Mankind Pharma Ltd., said: “Innovation will be one of the defining growth engines for Mankind over the coming decades. This investment is the first step in building a global pipeline of breakthrough therapies. With this venture, Mankind gains access to cutting-edge scientific platforms, experienced leadership, and the potential to generate multiple next-generation CAR-T candidates. Our long-term ambition is not only to participate in scientific innovation globally, but ultimately to make these transformative therapies more accessible to patients in India and around the world.”
Dr. Paul Stoffels, Chair of the Board, Armed Cell Therapeutics, added: “Next-generation CAR-T therapies can reach many more patients if we make them more powerful and durable. Armed Cell Therapeutics has the assets, the team and now the backing of Mankind to do exactly that. I am pleased to chair the Board and support the team.”
About Mankind Pharma
Mankind Pharma is one of India’s largest pharmaceutical companies, focusing on the domestic market with a pan-India presence. It operates across acute and chronic therapeutic areas including anti-infectives, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, antidiabetic, neuro/CNS, gynaecology, VMN, and respiratory.
Key highlights:
- Leading presence in women’s health following the acquisition of BSV
- Consumer healthcare portfolio includes condoms, pregnancy detection kits, emergency contraceptives, antacid powders, vitamin/mineral supplements, and anti-acne products
- Distribution network: 18,500+ professionals, reaching 500,000+ doctors across India
- Manufacturing footprint: 32 facilities producing tablets, capsules, syrups, vials, ampoules, gels, eye drops, creams, contraceptives, and OTC products
- R&D strength: 7 dedicated facilities, 740+ scientists driving innovation
For more information, visit mankindpharma.com.
About Armed Cell Therapeutics
Armed Cell Therapeutics (ACTx) is a biotechnology company developing next-generation armed CAR-T therapies for cancer. Lead programs target non-Hodgkin lymphoma and small cell lung cancer.
Operations include:
- Headquarters in Belgium
- Subsidiary in the Netherlands
- Research and pre-clinical operations in Pittsburgh, USA
- Early development activities across Europe, Asia, and the US
For more information, visit armedcelltx.com.
Safe Harbour Statement
This release may contain forward-looking statements regarding Mankind Pharma’s financial position, business strategy, and objectives. Actual results may differ materially due to risks including industry conditions, competition, regulatory approvals, economic factors, technological advances, and product safety concerns. Mankind Pharma assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements based on subsequent developments.
Media & Investor ContactsMankind Pharma – Investor Relations: Prakash Agarwal | investor.relations@mankindpharma.com | +91-11-46846700
Mankind Pharma – Corporate Communication: Natasha Raj | natasha.raj@mankindpharma.com | +91-11-46846700 Ext: 3201
