London, UK – The Cell Therapy Catapult, which is focused on the development of the UK cell therapy industry to increase the nation’s health and wealth, is pleased to note that, in his review of the Catapult centres network1,2, Hermann Hauser has recognised the progress made so far in developing and leveraging a UK translational infrastructure in a range of sectors. Published today, his nine recommendations to Government for the long-term future of the network include a call for sustained funding, and development of strategies for enhanced engagement with SMEs and universities.
Since inception in 2012, the Cell Therapy Catapult has been working with the UK cell therapy community to address the translational barriers to development of the industry, which can be broadly characterised as relating to business, manufacturing/supply chain and clinical/regulatory issues. Working with cell therapy developers to address these challenges in a systematic way, it has reviewed almost 200 academic and around 300 industry leads3 so far, resulting in several projects. Further engagement is ongoing. The Cell Therapy Catapult case studies featured in Dr Hauser’s report illustrate some of the success stories, showing how the organisation is working to de-risk the industry to attract further commercial investment.
Keith Thompson, CEO of the Cell Therapy Catapult, said, ‘The clear vision of the long-term future of the Catapult network, as outlined in the Hauser review, is very encouraging, including the call for the sustained funding vital to our impact. We have already benefited from further investment, with the new large-scale Cell Therapy Manufacturing Centre expected to come online in 2017 to support late-stage clinical trial and commercial supply. It will play a key role in helping us accelerate the cell therapy products emerging from the UK science base towards the market and patient benefit. ‘
Click here to read Hauser Report 2014
2 Hauser calls for 30 Catapult centres by 2030 – Innovate UK press release