Macroeconomic study on the future value of cell and gene therapies.

This study has been done in collaboration with the Office of Health Economics.

A report published by the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and the Office of Health Economics (OHE) presents a new method of quantifying the economic impact of healthcare innovations, such as cell and gene therapies. It evaluates the economic gains that the large-scale adoption of advanced therapies could provide for individuals, the NHS, and the wider UK economy - finding substantive gains across all measured areas. The research, part-funded by Innovate UK, indicates that wider adoption advanced therapies could unlock billions for the UK economy.

Our ambition is for the UK to be in the ‘driving seat’ of innovation, fostering a highly skilled workforce, economic growth, and a healthier population.

NHS 10-year plan

Modelling health-related impacts

Three levels of value

Individuals: captures patient and caregiver impacts, including health outcomes measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and personal financial impacts.
Systems: includes NHS and social care costs, including downstream expenditure.
National Economy: includes value associated with labour market participation and productivity, including informal care.

Two scenarios

Scenario A

Realistic scenario, Scenario A, is based on the most recent clinical and economic evidence, representing a likely outlook for the near future.

Scenario B

Optimistic scenario, Scenario B, is aspirational, forward-looking, and focused on potential long-term gains from a CGT system shift.

Four case studies selected

Implications

CGT are clinical innovations, and they are levers for structural change. By investing in CGT as part of a broader system-shift, the NHS can improve outcomes, unlock capacity, and reduce long-term costs.

For policymakers

Shows the size of the opportunity and the cost of delay, with outcomes valued according to whom they accrue. Supports cross-departmental business cases, informs payment and risk-sharing mechanisms, and helps align Treasury and NHS incentives.

For industry

Even with cautious assumptions, ten-year returns on wider CGT access could be significant, and may justify investment in advanced therapy manufacturing capacity in the UK

For researchers

Provides a transparent, adaptable framework for evaluating system-wide impacts of health-related investments. Open-source model script enables testing of assumptions, adding new data, and applying alternative valuation methods.

Patient story

Understanding life with Beta Thalassemia

I often feel like my wings are clipped, but now I could really fly. I can be the father, entrepreneur, son and business mentor I really want to be. I’d use this new superpower to give back to society and help others realise their hopes and ambitions.
Jemin Popat-

Hear from Jemin Popat about his experience living with this inherited blood disorder and the potential benefits that a gene therapy would bring.

Read the case study

This Contract Research Report was commissioned and funded by The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, with support from Innovate UK.

Date of preparation 25 July 2025

Authors Chris Sampson, Sukanya Subramaniyan, Matthew Napier, Hania El Banhawi, Panos Kefalas, Jacqueline Barry, Laura Beswick, Matthew Durdy, Grace Hampson