The Vision highlights the exciting opportunities from cell and gene therapies, but also explains some challenges, as well as recommendations to overcome those and keep the UK at the forefront of these cutting-edge treatments.
Cell and gene therapies are exciting new treatments that introduce, remove or change the content of a person's genetic code. They can save multiple invasive treatments and are sometimes described as miracle cures. However, because of the highly personalised nature of the treatments, they are not manufactured at scale, which can make them costly. In addition, the manufacture need to be in specialised centres and close to the place where the patient is treated. Furthermore, highly specialised people are needed in the treatment and in the manufacture. Data needs to be gathered and shared in a better way to help to understand the impact of the treatments.
Amongst the recommendations of the document are as follows:
The paper refers to important roles for the following:
George Freeman MP, the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, says: “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.”
Matthew Durdy, CEO of the Catapult, comments: “The National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision for the UK 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, 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.”
VWV are hosting the 2022 PING Conference on 20 June in the beautiful setting of The Old Palace at Hatfield House. The event is focused on why this time is being described as the golden age for life sciences innovation, and the UK is uniquely position to adopt innovations. One such area is in cell and gene therapies. George Freeman is one of the speakers at the Conference. Another is Matthew Whitty, the NHS England Director of Innovation, Research and Life Sciences and Chief Executive of The Accelerated Access Collaborative. The new NICE Chief Executive, Samantha Roberts, will also be presenting.
Just two years ago, at the 2020 PING Conference, we heard from Matthew Durdy about the fast-growing developments at the CGT Catapult and the opportunities in the area. It is no surprise to see the UK continuing apace in making the running to meet the challenges posed by the opportunities for these new opportunities.