Grace Hampson
Director, Office of Health Economics
New evaluation model finds that widespread adoption of cell and gene therapies may unlock billions for the UK economy.
Structural barriers hinder routine use
When it comes to cell and gene therapies (CGT), the UK is in a strong position, with globally recognised research, MHRA-authorised manufacturing sites, a strong clinical trials ecosystem and a national network of Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres [1].
However, wider uptake is held back by barriers across manufacturing, infrastructure, regulation, value assessment and delivery. To support wider adoption of CGTs in the UK, a system-wide approach, in the form of a CGT system-shift, may be needed [2].
Billions unlocked in value
Analysis by the Office of Health Economics (OHE) and Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult indicates that wider adoption of advanced therapies could unlock billions for the UK economy [2]. It evaluates the economic gains that the large-scale adoption of advanced therapies could provide for individuals, the NHS and the UK economy through productivity gains.
Every case study in the research demonstrated substantial economic benefits alongside individual health gains. For beta-thalassemia (a rare condition), eliminating the need for lifelong blood transfusions could save the NHS £74 million and deliver £51 million in wider societal gains [2]. When the researchers examined acute myeloid leukaemia, a rare and fast-growing blood cancer, they found it delivers individual value of £583 million, as well as NHS offsets of £463 million [2].
Future advanced therapies for Alzheimer’s (a prevalent neurodegenerative disease) could provide benefits of £39.6 billion for individuals and their carers [2], resulting from extra years in work and reduced levels of care. It could also save the health and care service £19.9 billion and could add £21.5 billion to the wider economy [2].
wider adoption of advanced therapies could unlock billions for the UK economy
Cell and gene therapies aren’t just health interventions
Their benefits go beyond direct clinical outcomes: they have the potential to alleviate pressure on the NHS, increase productivity and drive economic growth. By recognising this value and backing the shift, the UK could gain real benefits for its health system, workforce and economy at a time when it is acutely needed
[1] Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, Unlocking access to future ATMPs in the UK: comparing international approaches (2024). Contract Research. Available from https://www.abpi.org.uk/media/gtoa2ygp/abpi_unlocking_atmps_uk_report.pdf.
[2] Sampson C., Subramaniyan S., Napier M., El Banhawi H., Kefalas P., Beswick L., Durdy M., Hampson G., The value of cell and gene therapies to the UK economy (2025). Contract Research. Available from https://www.ohe.org/publications/value-of-cell-and-gene-therapies-to-the-uk-economy/.
