Annual Review 2020 highlights impact on growth and productivity in the UK cell and gene therapy industry

The 2020 annual report released today presents Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult’s achievements, collaborations and initiatives from the past year and their impact in enhancing growth, productivity and supporting the development and commercialisation of cell and gene therapies.

London UK, 20 July 2020 – The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) has today published its Annual Review 2020, highlighting achievements and initiatives from the past year which are enhancing growth and productivity in the UK cell and gene therapy industry.                                                                   

It has been another year of progress for the UK cell and gene therapy industry, with 12% of global advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) clinical trials taking place in the UK, with over 3,000 jobs created in the sector, and over 90 advanced therapy developers currently based in the UK.

Among many milestones achieved over the year is the construction of new modules at the CGT Catapult manufacturing centre in Stevenage which are now fully operational, doubling capacity for collaboration at the facility. This expansion, which was funded by £3.36m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and £12m from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF), provides additional infrastructure and expertise to anchor global cell and gene therapy manufacturing in the UK.

CGT Catapult initiatives have also made a significant impact in the industry over the past twelve months:

·    10 spin-out companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been provided with tailored support through commercial readiness advice clinics, a programme launched in November 2019 and part funded by £3.5m from the ERDF

·    The Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre (ATTC) network, funded by the ISCF and coordinated by CGT Catapult, now has 6% of global ATMP clinical trials run through its centres, and the network works with 64 partners in industry, academia and healthcare providers

·    The number of Advanced Therapies Apprenticeship Community (ATAC) apprentices, an initiative funded by the ISCF, has more than doubled compared with 2019, helping to tackle the demand for skills in the industry

Matthew Durdy, CEO, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult said:

“Strong Government support through Innovate UK has enabled CGT Catapult to innovate and collaborate to further advance the UK cell and gene therapy ecosystem over the past year, making it globally attractive for the commercialisation of cell and gene therapies. Moving forward, we strive to continue our mission to create more high value employment and make more life-changing therapies a therapeutic reality for patients around the world.

During these times of uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we are also helping to supporting companies to continue innovating, and in doing so enable further economic growth in this pioneering industry.”

Ian Muir, Director – Healthcare & Lifesciences, Innovate UK commented:

“The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult goes from strength to strength. It is playing a vital role in growing the UK cell and gene therapy industry, placing the UK in a world leading position, helping companies to grow.

These therapies are now getting to patients and Innovate UK is looking forward to continue to support the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and its initiatives such as its skills programme and Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres.”

You can access the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult 2019-20 Annual review at: ct.catapult.org.uk/annualreviews 

About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult was established as an independent centre of excellence to advance the growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry, by bridging the gap between scientific research and full-scale commercialisation. With more than 230 employees focusing on cell and gene therapy technologies, it works with partners in academia and industry to ensure these life-changing therapies can be developed for use in health services throughout the world. It offers leading-edge capability, technology and innovation to enable companies to take products into clinical trials and provide clinical, process development, manufacturing, regulatory, health economics and market access expertise. Its aim is to make the UK the most compelling and logical choice for UK and international partners to develop and commercialise these advanced therapies. The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult works with Innovate UK. For more information please visit ct.catapult.org.uk or visit http://www.gov.uk/innovate-uk.

About the European Regional Development Fund

The CGT Catapult manufacturing centre expansion phase and the commercial readiness advice clinics programme received funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for the European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.

About the Industrial Strategy Challenged Fund

This CGT Catapult manufacturing centre expansion phase, Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre (ATTC) network and Advanced Therapy Apprenticeship Community (ATAC) have been funded by the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy. The fund is delivered by UK Research and Innovation. The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund is a four-year, £1 billion investment in cutting-edge technology designed to create jobs and improve living standards, built on guidance from business and the academic community. Healthcare and Medicine is one of three core areas for investment under the programme.