UK cell and gene therapy sector reaches commercialisation crossroads
The UK’s cell and gene therapy sector is at a turning point, with conditions increasingly in place to translate the country’s research strength into company growth and investment, according to the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult’s 2026 Annual Review.
During 2025/26, CGT Catapult worked with 81 companies on advanced therapy innovation, 70% of which were UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies raised more than £199 million in financing during the year, while 13 were conducting clinical trials in the UK, up from nine the previous year.
The review also highlights wider progress in the sector. As of March 2026, 17 cell and gene therapies had been approved and reimbursed for use in the UK, while the country accounted for around 9% of ongoing advanced therapy clinical trials globally.
CGT Catapult says its work is focused on helping high-potential companies overcome barriers to commercialisation, scale their operations and remain in the UK, while aligning research, industry and healthcare.
The review also includes an assessment of the potential economic value of cell and gene therapies, developed by CGT Catapult with the Office for Health Economics. The model, which follows HM Treasury evaluation methods, examined the projected value of treating four conditions with cell or gene therapies.
It found that the economic benefits could extend beyond individual patients and healthcare systems, including through increased workforce participation and reduced reliance on unpaid care.
The review also points to a strengthening policy and regulatory environment, including the Life Sciences Sector Plan and work by the MHRA on a new framework for rare diseases.
More than 1,000 people received training and upskilling support from CGT Catapult during the year.
Matthew Durdy, chief executive of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, said the organisation's focus was now on converting the UK's research strength into industry growth and helping companies scale and remain in the UK. Pic: Pilan Filmes
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