28/02/2023

The theoretical promise of cell and gene therapies is now starting to become a reality, potentially helping to improve the lives of people living with Rare Diseases. Whilst these treatments are a positive step forward, they present challenges for the UK’s approach to the adoption of medicines, which could prevent the UK from fully embracing these therapies in the future.

To mark Rare Disease Day 2023, Louise Fish (CEO, Genetic Alliance), Matthew Durdy (Chief Executive Officer, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult) and Owen Marks (Head of Rare Diseases, Pfizer UK) have come together to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with cell and gene therapies in a film produced by ITN Business.

The news-style programme highlights how we could overcome the challenges through industry, Government and patient organisations working together, united behind a shared vision – like we have seen in other areas of healthcare, such as the Vaccines Taskforce created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Within the film Owen Marks, Head of Rare Diseases, Pfizer UK calls for the formation of a Gene Therapy Taskforce.  

To learn more read, ‘From Promise to Reality: A blueprint for building a mission-led partnership approach to make the UK a world-leader in the adoption of gene therapies’.