Spreading the Cell and Gene Word

The development of cell and gene therapies has progressed with incredible pace. Dozens are now available, including three CAR T-cell therapies. Hundreds of clinical trials are underway, investigating treatments for solid tumors and even “cures” for blindness. It’s a hot topic in the pharmaceutical industry, but are doctors and regulators ready? And are patients prepared for this new frontier of medicine?

To help ensure patients who could benefit from advanced medicines do so, specialist communications agency, OVID Health, is set to launch the Cell and Gene Collective in the new year. “The unifying force behind the Collective is patients” said Roudie Shafie, Director at OVID Health and former head of the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry’s Government Affairs team. “What that looks like in the short to medium term involves raising awareness of cell and gene therapies, particularly among the policy making and healthcare professional community. We also need to overcome any barriers that occur from regulatory approval onward in getting treatments to the patients who can benefit.”