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.

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

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 & Life Sciences, Innovate UK

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