The UK ATTC Network is a world-first system of Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres (ATTCs), operating within the NHS framework and coordinated by CGT Catapult, that is addressing the unique and complex challenges of bringing pioneering advanced therapies to patients. The project has been funded by the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, and was set up in March 2018. In its first year, the network has already achieved many successes.
Midlands and Wales Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre (MW-ATTC) have:
- Generated standard of care clinical patient process maps for autologous and allogenic ATMPs.
- Developed a data structure and accompanying user interface which will support allogeneic therapies.
Northern Alliance Advanced Therapies Treatment Centre (NA-ATTC) have:
- Held their first major dissemination event to share knowledge on delivery of Advanced Therapies in the NHS, with a particular focus on CAR T-cell therapies.
- Alongside partner Leeds Teaching Hospital, applied significant clinical trials experience with oncolytic virus in the delivery of a new commissioned service for T-VEC; the first licensed gene therapy approved for use at this hospital.
Innovate Manchester Advanced Therapy Centre Hub (iMATCH) have:
- Finalised the protocol for the Immetacyte sponsored exemplar trial, OvStar, which is due for submission to the MHRA imminently.
- Opened enrolment at the University of Manchester for the first Masters of Science (MSc) degree in Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).
Read more of the network's achievements on the ATTC Network website.
The network had a joint presence at the recent World Advanced Therapies and Regenerative Medicine Congress, where clinical adoption was a key topic. CGT Catapult's Dr Jacqueline Barry hosted a two panel discussions on the challenges of adoption with contributors including ATTC members Karen Hodgkin, COO, Cell Medica; Neil Watson, Director, NA-ATTC; Dr Ian McKay, Innovation Lead for Advanced Therapies, Innovate UK; and Marc Turner, Co-Director, NA-ATTC.