2020 clinical trials database report confirms the UK as an internationally attractive clinical space for the development of cell and gene therapies

2020 clinical trials database report confirms the UK as an internationally attractive clinical space for the development of cell and gene therapies

Increase of almost 30% in commercially sponsored clinical trials reveals a progression of ATMPs towards commercialisation

20% uplift in reported number of clinical trials indicates advanced therapies research continues despite the COVID-19 pandemic

London, 23^rd February 2021: The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) published today the 2020 Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) clinical trials database and report, which show a marked 20% growth in the number of ATMP clinical trials across the UK.

The number of commercially sponsored trials has shown a dramatic surge since 2019, with an almost 30% increase from 89 to 115 trials. Commercial trials now make up three-quarters of the ATMP trial landscape, with the majority being backed by international companies, demonstrating the appeal of the UK ATMP clinical and commercial landscape.

The report published today shows there were 154 ongoing ATMP clinical trials reported in total in 2020, which is a 20% increase since 2019. Noticeably this increase includes a growth in late-stage clinical trials demonstrating a continued progression towards commercialisation.

The overall growth in the number of ATMP clinical trials in 2020 may imply that the onset of COVID-19 and the pressures it caused on the healthcare system have not had an impact on this industry. Nonetheless, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have delayed some clinical trials. The database and report published today show a decrease in the number of trials closing and a number of sites have reporting putting trials on hold. The full extent of the pandemic’s impact may not yet be fully ascertained and may result in a slight slowing of growth in the coming years.

Matthew Durdy, CEO of CGT Catapult, said:

“Such a remarkable rise in the number of UK clinical trials in just one year is a testament to the tremendous strength of the entire UK ATMP industry and continuous backing of the Government in progressing it. The UK’s robust clinical space complements the growth seen in the GMP manufacturing space last year both contributing to a cementing of the infrastructure supporting ATMP developers in the UK.”

Find the full Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult 2020 ATMP clinical trials database report here or going to ct.catapult.org.uk/clinical-trials-database

About 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 330 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.