UK ATMP clinical research picture remains positive despite challenging global environment

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) today published its annual UK Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Clinical Trials Report​​. The latest publication, the 11th such overview, shows that clinical trials in the UK ATMP sector continued to perform consistently last year.

That expansion in UK ATMP trial work is in contrast to the global landscape, noted the CGT Catapult publication, citing data from the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM).

“While a modest increase compared to previous year’s growth, the steady state in the UK contrasts with the global 13% decline in ongoing ATMP clinical trials observed worldwide. This includes a 15% reduction in both North America and Asia Pacific, and similarly a 14% decrease in ongoing ATMP clinical trial activity in Europe.”​

Clinical trial type ​

The UK is now represented in 14% of global ongoing ATMP commercial trial activity in all Phases I - III, and in 8% of all ongoing trials in total.

Of the UK ATMP clinical trials observed in 2022, 37% were in Phase I/II and the number of Phase II/III trials increased from three trials in 2021 to seven trials in 2022, further demonstrating the successful translation of therapies from non-clinical programs into the clinic.

Matthew Durdy, chief executive of CGT Catapult, said the growth throughout 2022 has been supported by the work of that organization and the Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres (ATTC) network working alongside key industry partners. “We are making excellent progress towards our goal of accelerating the progression of advanced therapies from lab to the clinic, establishing a clear vision for treatment in the UK, and ensuring that people are trained and ready to bring these treatments to patients.”​

Oncology dominates ​

Oncology continues to be the dominant therapeutic area under investigation in UK based ATMP clinical trials (38%), followed by hematological indications (11%), metabolic disorders (10%), and ophthalmology (9%).

Cell types investigated in ATMP clinical trials remain largely unchanged from 2021; with the dominance of T cells as the most commonly investigated cell type continuing to increase, accounting for 58% of UK ATMP clinical trials. 

The proportion of commercially sponsored ATMP clinical trials in the UK has also continued to rise, with now over 80% - increasing from 131 trials in 2021 to 145 in 2022. The CGT Catapult said this data highlights how the UK remains recognized as a good location for clinical research by industry.