Cell and Gene therapies are a transformative new generation of treatments that are set to revolutionise the way we think about and treat disease.

These therapies utilise the body’s own cells or genes to target the cause of disease, differing from current molecular based drugs which often target the symptoms of a disease. Cell and gene therapies can have much longer effects that traditional treatments and have the potential to cure diseases from arthritis to types of cancer. 

Despite the range of different initiatives underway across industry, academia and the Government to maximise the potential of Cell and Gene therapies there is limited understanding of these new technologies.

In addition, there remain many challenges in the complex pathway from innovation to clinical adoption. Big thinking is needed for the UK to maintain its world-leading position and ensure that patients receive these life changing treatments.  

Policy Connect is hosting a roundtable event with experts and parliamentarians to raise awareness of cell and gene therapies, potential benefits and challenges to implementation.

The event will be chaired by Daniel Zeichner MP. Speakers include:

Jacqueline Barry (Chief Clinical Officer, Cell and Gene therapy Catapult) 

Emma Morris (Professor of Clinical Cell and Gene Therapy, UCL)  

Fiona Marley (Head of Highly Specialised Commissioning, NHSE and I) 

Sian Laidouni (patient representative).

To find out more and get involved in the event, please contact emma.lawrence [at] policyconnect.org.uk