Finalist
Tomorrow’s Science, Today’s NHS: a Cell and Gene Collective Campaign
by OVID Health on behalf of The Cell and Gene Collective
Summary of work
Cell and gene therapies (CGTs) present a new era in medicine. Estimates suggest that up to 10,000 UK patients could benefit from CGTs by 2028 but currently, NHS adoption is slow. The Cell and Gene Collective (the Collective) is a coalition of pharmaceutical companies wanting to improve patient access to these life-changing treatments whilst also realising the UK’s potential to be a world-leader in CGT development. In the last 18 months, the Collective has established sector consensus on robust policy solutions and secured impactful commitments for change.
Via its Tomorrow’s Science, Today’s NHS Commission, which interviewed 18 sector experts over six evidence sessions, alongside collaboration with 20 patient groups and targeted parliamentary and media engagement, the Collective has developed a comprehensive roadmap for delivering quicker and more equitable access to CGTs. Several of the Collective’s policy asks are now being implemented, including greater government leadership via the establishment of DHSC’s ATMP Coordination Group and NHS-led pilots for innovative finance models included in VPAG. The Collective has also positioned itself as a key delivery partner, as evidenced by its inclusion in the 2025 Rare Disease Action Plan alongside industry trade bodies, the ABPI and BIA.
Judges’ comments
“Tomorrow’s Science, Today’s NHS” was a well-rounded entry that links back well to the strategy. It had robust patient engagement, told a very good story and strong implementation. Overall, a very interesting project.
