The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult marks ten years of ground-breaking collaborations and progress in the UK cell and gene therapy industry

London, 22^nd November 2022 – The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) today publishes its Annual Review 2022, highlighting the continued growth of the UK cell and gene therapy industry and the positive impact innovation has had.

The 12 month period (April 21 – March 22) covered by the Annual Review once again showcases the UK as a significant contributor to global advancements in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) and the broader cell and gene therapy industry. This is highlighted through the 31% growth year on year in funds raised by UK-based ATMP developers, up to £1.7bn, and the 25% increase in ATMP manufacturing space in the UK, up to 40,000m². The driving force behind this continued success, and the key to sustained industry expansion and innovation, is the ongoing and increasing number of partnerships in the development of these potentially life-changing therapies. Between April 2021 and March 2022, the CGT Catapult has helped to forge 154 of these collaborations both in the UK and internationally, and from across the industrial and academic spectrum. These partnerships encompass all aspects of ATMP development, to boost capabilities and secure the continued development of treatments, from supporting research and manufacturing to vital skills training.

The continued expansion and strengthening of the highly skilled workforce in the cell and gene therapy and bioprocess industries is essential for the UK to maintain its world-leading position. Meeting this demand is a key priority for the CGT Catapult and, over the past year, over 5,000 people in the UK have been up-skilled and supported through CGT Catapult-led initiatives, with total sector employment up by 133% since 2019.

Since its inception ten years ago, the CGT Catapult has played a critical role in establishing the UK as place of choice for ATMP developers and building a sustainable, technologically innovative industry, which delivers genuine impact for healthcare professionals, their patients and the UK economy.

This collective work has helped established the world’s third largest cluster of cell and gene therapy companies, centred around Stevenage, where the CGT Catapult Stevenage facility has seen its collaborators raise £434m in the last twelve months. In 2022, 32% of European ATMP companies had operations within the UK, and 9% of all ATMP clinical trials are taking place in the UK.

Matthew Durdy, CEO of CGT Catapult, said:

“The vision we share with our partners and collaborators is for a thriving industry delivering life-changing advanced therapies to the world and we look forward to this important work continuing into our eleventh year. Over the course of the next year, our aim is to maintain and expand the sustainable UK ATMP ecosystem and drive the sector forward through technological innovation, expanding manufacturing capacity and upskilling the workforce. This will ensure the UK continues to be an attractive destination for ATMP companies and help accelerate progress in the development of these treatments so that ultimately patients in need benefit from their therapeutic potential.”