Winner
Delivering the National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision
Summary of work
The UK is a world leader in cell and gene therapies. The NHS was the first health system in Europe to make CAR-T therapy available in 2018, and several other cell and gene therapies have been approved since. As a result, the government considered cell and gene therapies to be a success story, and there was risk of complacency that would lead to a lack of preparedness for future challenges.
The community recognised that a campaign was needed to ensure the government responded. In partnership, the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), its Industry Advisory Group and Incisive Health came together to galvanise a broad coalition – including the NHS, patient groups and leading clinicians – to campaign for a government-led strategy that prepared for the future of cell and gene therapies.
The campaign involved the development and publication of the National Cell and Gene Therapy Vision for the UK, outlining recommendations for the adoption of cell and gene therapies to ensure the UK maintains its global advantage. The campaign was a success, receiving support from government and influencing NHS planning, with a working group in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) now focused on its recommendations.
Judges’ comments
Evoke Incisive Health and Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult achieved so much with such a small budget. The entry was well written and they hit their objectives. It was based on a clear vision and the judges were gobsmacked with what they have achieved. This great campaign was showcasing the UK as an innovative hub in cell and gene therapy and it was a really impressive achievement. A very clear red thread running through the whole campaign. Ambitious, purposeful and well thought through. A stand out entry and a very coherent piece of work.
