CGT Catapult publishes National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision for the UK as it hosts its fourth annual clinical adoption workshop

CGT Catapult publishes National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision for the UK as it hosts its fourth annual clinical adoption workshop

Industry-led vision outlines how the UK can cement its position as a world leader in the development and delivery of advanced therapies

London 24^th March 2022: The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) has today published the ‘National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision for the UK’, a document outlining recommendations for a national vision for the adoption of cell and gene therapies to ensure the UK maintains its global advantage. At its fourth annual clinical adoption day, the CGT Catapult brought together experts from the NHS, industry and government organisations to highlight the supportive ecosystem in the UK for the development and adoption of UK Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) and priorities for a sustainable future of the industry.

The number of cell and gene therapies coming to market is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, potentially transforming the way the NHS manages certain diseases. However, this brings with it a range of challenges which must be addressed to ensure the NHS continues at the forefront of providing these cutting-edge treatments to patients.

The document published today provides an overview of the provision of cell and gene therapies in the UK to date and makes recommendations based on insights from the CGT Catapult’s Industry Advisory Group on how the UK can use its experience of delivering ATMPs to inform future best practice.

The combined recommendations span across all areas of advanced therapies including the development of a UK advanced therapy manufacturing sector; enhancing the knowledge and skills of the workforce to prepare for future therapies; expanding treatment centre capacity through both new and existing centres; effective horizon scanning to prepare the NHS and industry for novel therapies; and attracting further global commercial investment in clinical research.

Importantly, the document suggests how the NHS can develop its data infrastructure to inform continued improvements to clinical practice and strengthen the real-world evidence base of these potentially life-saving treatments, ensuring they continue to make a difference to patients’ lives.

George Freeman MP, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, commented:

“The UK Cell and Gene Catapult has played a key role in developing UK leadership in advanced therapies. It is no coincidence that 9% of all Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products clinical trials are run in the UK, and that the UK has the third largest cluster for cell and gene therapies in the world.

“This National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision supports our ambition to cement the UK’s position as a world leader in advanced clinical research and development, while helping to accelerate access both for patients to new therapies and researchers to patients.”

Indro Mukerjee, Chief Executive Officer of Innovate UK, commented:

“The National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision will strengthen our competitive advantage, furthering our lead in this important field. It is the result of collaboration across the ecosystem and this holistic approach, supported by Innovate UK, encourages both decisive, whole-of-ecosystem action and further private investment in innovation. We are delighted to have co-funded this important work and this news is further endorsement of the mission of the Catapult Network that Innovate UK established and fund.”

Mathew Durdy, Chief Executive Officer of the CGT Catapult, commented:

“The National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision for the UK published today will help ensure the UK continues its progress in bringing these life-changing therapies to patients. Crucial to this effort is the Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre network, coordinated by the CGT Catapult, which will continue to drive innovation and support the clinical adoption of ATMPs through close collaboration between industry and the NHS. The expert recommendations outlined today, along with continued investment in the sector, will ensure that the NHS is prepared to deliver the next generation of ATMPs, and UK retains its status as a world leader in the delivery of these therapies.”

The vision document was commissioned the CGT Catapult and funded equally by Innovate UK (I-UK), Astellas Gene Therapies, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead and Novartis.

The ATTC network, funded by the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, successfully supports the development of the UK infrastructure for clinical adoption of ATMPs. The ATTC network has built, and continues to build, systems within the NHS to ensure that products progress effectively through clinical development and can be commercialised in the UK to reach patients in need.

Access the ‘National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision for the UK’ here

About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is an independent innovation and technology organisation committed to the advancement of cell and gene therapies with a vision of a thriving industry delivering life changing advanced therapies to the world. Its aim is to create powerful collaborations which overcome challenges to the advancement of the sector. With over 400 experts covering all aspects of advanced therapies, it applies its unique capabilities and assets, collaborates with academia, industry and healthcare providers to develop new technology and innovation. 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.