Cell and gene sector gains national voice with new advisory group

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia are inviting expressions of interest from current members to join the newly established Advanced Therapies Advisory Group, designed to provide strategic input into initiatives supporting the nation’s growing cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector.

Building on the legacy of the two-year Cell and Gene Catalyst, which laid the groundwork for Australia’s cell and gene industry, the Advisory Group will focus on national coordination and facilitate collaborative policy discussions to tackle the sector’s most pressing opportunities and challenges.

AusBiotech CEO, Rebekah Cassidy, said “Australia’s advanced therapies sector is entering a phase of maturation, and national coordination is essential to ensuring patients, industry, and the healthcare system benefit from these innovations.

“Through this new Advisory Group, we will ensure industry voice is heard across priority areas as we shape policy discussions designed to grow Australia’s leadership in advanced therapies.”

The Australian Cell and Gene Therapies Innovation Investment Report provides insights into investment strategies and priorities within the CGT R&D sector. The survey highlights that 58% of respondents believe a lack of onshore manufacturing capabilities will negatively impact CGT development over the next five years, while 83% cite supply chain disruptions as a major challenge.

A significant skills shortage also threatens the sector’s expansion, with 83% of respondents expecting workforce talent shortages to negatively impact their organisation’s strategy. The survey confirms a lack of CGT training pathways, with 61% highlighting gaps in education, 42% noting an insufficient R&D workforce, and 65% pointing to a critical shortage of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) expertise.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are increasingly seen as drivers of efficiency in CGT research, development, and clinical application. Eighty-three (83%) percent of respondents expect accelerated digital transformation to positively influence their organisation’s CGT strategy and enhance competitiveness over the next five years, and 79% identify AI as a key driver of future growth.

The survey also highlights strong support for national coordination, with 91% of respondents advocating a unified approach to strengthen Australia’s CGT capabilities. Experts note that industry consolidation, licensing agreements, and closer academia-industry collaboration will be essential for enhancing the R&D pipeline.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said “Collaboration is essential to maintain momentum in the delivery of advanced therapies – cell and gene technologies – to the community. This Advisory Group represents a very important step forward in unifying industry and other stakeholders to consider and address critical policies and delivery mechanisms to ensure we fully harness and maximise these important therapeutics now and into the future.”

The Advisory Group will act on the report findings, leading policy development and advocacy. Representation will span members from both peak bodies, with additional input from the Solutions for Manufacturing Advanced Regenerative Therapies Cooperative Research Centre (SMART CRC), which will play a central role.

Professor Simon Cool, Chief Executive Officer of SMART CRC, commented “This Advisory Group is a timely and strategic move for Australia’s regenerative therapies sector. We’re proud to represent the voice of our 63 partners and look forward to contributing to meaningful health and economic outcomes for Australians.”

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia members interested in joining the new group are encouraged to register via this EOI form. The closing date for nominations is 22 October.

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