At the end of last month, Life Science Integrates hosted its first Advanced Therapies Integrates North, of which the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) were proud headline sponsors. Taking place in Edinburgh, the event provided an exciting platform for thought leaders and innovators to discuss the future of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).
Among the many insightful sessions, the panel discussion titled ‘Digitally Driven’ was a particular highlight. Chaired by Dr Nicole Mather, Non-Executive Director at the CGT Catapult, the group session highlighted how emerging technologies are reshaping the ATMP R&D landscape in the UK.
In this article, we reflect on the key takeaways from the session and explore how digital tools are overcoming bottlenecks in process development, quality control and manufacturing, to reduce the cost of goods and unlock patient-centric therapies in a more scalable and efficient way.
Bridging challenges in ATMP development with digital innovation
Cell and gene therapies possess extraordinary potential to revolutionise healthcare, but their manufacture at scale remains a significant challenge. Complex, labour-intensive processes and scalability issues, underpinned by fragmented data systems, pose significant barriers to delivering the volumes of product required at an affordable cost to widen patient access.
The panel highlighted the opportunity for digital technologies to address these barriers. Kevin Vela, CGT Catapult, emphasised that while the ATMP industry is advancing rapidly, it is still in its infancy when it comes to digital transformation. Many companies are still constrained by manual workflows and siloed data, which hinder efficiency and scalability.
Digital technologies offer a transformative solution to these issues. Automation, AI, and data integration are no longer optional but essential for the future of ATMP development. As Nicole Mather, the panel chair, explained, adopting these technologies routinely will be critical for transitioning ATMPs from niche innovations to mainstream healthcare solutions. By doing so, the industry can achieve the cost efficiencies and scale needed to enable greater patient access.
The role of digital technologies: A pathway to scale and efficiency
From research to delivery, the panel highlighted that digital innovations are streamlining ATMP development at every stage:
- Process development: AI and advanced modelling tools, such as digital twins, enable researchers to simulate and optimise processes, significantly reducing time and resource investment.
- Quality control: Predictive analytics and remote quality release, have demonstrated the potential of digital tools to accelerate QC workflows. Enhanced data integration streamlines the transition from development to clinical manufacturing.
- Manufacturing: End-to-end automation is key to scaling ATMP production. From automating single-unit operations to creating fully integrated digital systems, the potential for efficiency gains is significant. The industry must now focus on connecting these automated systems to create a cohesive, scalable framework.
Nonetheless, several panellists, including Gloria Lam, PA Consulting; Tom Smith, Labman; and Sevi Giakoumelou, Cytomos, pointed out that automation and digital integration cannot succeed without robust data standardisation. Data silos, as well as incompatible platforms at different stages of development and manufacturing, remain major obstacles. Aligning efforts across the sector to address these foundational issues will be critical to harnessing the full potential of digital technologies.
Collaboration to drive progress
One of the most compelling themes to emerge from the session was the importance of collaboration. Kevin Vela, CGT Catapult, highlighted that industry-wide progress depends on fostering partnerships across the ecosystem. By pooling expertise and sharing data, stakeholders can mitigate risks and reduce costs – accelerating innovation.
The UK is uniquely positioned to foster this collaborative landscape. The CGT Catapult, for example, through facilities like its Digital and Automation Testbeds, are helping to bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and GMP-ready technologies. By providing access to GMP-like environments for ATMP developers to safely de-risk and validate their technologies, the CGT Catapult are supporting the development of scalable solutions that benefit the entire industry.
Learn more about the Digital and Automation Testbeds
Towards a patient-centric future
Looking ahead, the potential of digital technologies to transform ATMPs is undeniable. From improving product quality to enhancing patient access, the benefits are far-reaching. However, realising this vision will require an industry-wide effort to build a robust digital foundation.
Antoine Espinet, MFX, highlighted that the industry is approaching a ‘third wave’ of ATMP development – one defined by automation and data-driven approaches. This emphasis will ensure personalised, high-quality therapies will be able to reach patients more rapidly and efficiently.
The discussion at Advanced Therapies Integrates North was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when innovation meets collaboration. As the UK solidifies its position as a global leader in ATMP research and development, the integration of digital technologies will be key to delivering transformative therapies to the patients who need them most.
If you missed this session or would like to continue the conversation around digital and automation in the cell and gene therapy industry, you can catch Nicole Mather and Kevin Vela at the upcoming ARM and CGT Catapult workshop on “Advanced Manufacturing and Industrialisation of the CGT sector” in Stevenage UK, 12th – 13th June 2025.
Register for the ARM and CGT Catapult workshop
If you are looking for support to establish robust, digitally integrated processes for the manufacture of your cell or gene therapy, contact us