Cell therapies are a revolution in medicines.

They offer innovative, personalized ways to treat diseases through the genetic re-engineering of cells or human tissue. Re-engineered T-cells amplify the immune system’s ability to recognize and remove harmful cells while leaving healthy cells alone.

Autologous CAR-T, a type of cell therapy, is personalized treatment for each patient and administered as a one-time infusion. The cancers CAR-T can treat now affect the blood - leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Cell therapies require a rethink of traditional ways of regulation, assessment and reimbursement. New innovations should be able to reach patients quickly. Society and healthcare systems should be willing to invest in new treatments that meet patients’ needs and advance our understanding of managing diseases. For investment in new technologies to be sustainable, flexible access strategies are needed for evidence assessments and evaluations. Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) should be adapted to take account of the complex clinical context and technological nature of cell therapies. This can lead to some uncertainty for decision-makers - but we have tools to address it. More flexible HTAs and innovative payment models can address challenges with assessment and evaluation.

Bristol Myers Squibb is building on the first generation of cell therapies. We are investigating new targets in blood and solid tumor cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases and neurological conditions.

Science is moving fast - faster than policy or legislation or regulation. Political leadership, alongside cross-stakeholder collaboration, can unlock the potential of cell therapies for European patients.

Phung Osborn, VP and Head of Global Market Access, Cell Therapy, Bristol Myers Squibb, has more.