Figures published by the research and industry group, the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, found that throughout the UK the amount of ATMP trials reached 187 in 2024. Credit: Shutterstock / Manuel Milan

Last year saw a 70% rise in Phase I advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) studies across the UK clinical trials space according to new data published by a UK think tank.

Figures published by the research and industry group, the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, found that throughout the UK the amount of ATMP trials reached 187 in 2024, an increase of 7% compared to the previous year. During the same time, the number of Phase I trials grew from 24 to 41. The same research found the UK accounts for 9.5% of all global trials and almost 50% of all European trials in 2024.

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As part of its research, the body found that oncology continues to be the largest single sector of ATMP research in the country, remaining in the top place from previous years and accounting for 38% of all UK trials. Behind oncology, metabolic indications account for 13% of UK trials, whilst haematological indications come in third with 10% of UK trials. Of those studies, 81% of trials involve some form of genetically modified therapy.

ATMPs can be classified into three main types – gene therapy medicines, somatic-cell therapy medicines and tissue-engineered medicines.

Matthew Durdy, chief executive of Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, said: “Advanced therapy clinical trials are important in two regards. They provide a clear indication of the attractiveness of the UK for advanced therapy product development and they create the skills, capabilities and environment that mean that patients can access these life-changing drugs more quickly and easily. This data shows the UK’s continued strength on both counts.” 

The news follows after research carried out by the UK’s Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) published research that found that the UK had regained its position as a hub for clinical trials after being ranked fourth globally for clinical trials in 2017, then seeing that position drop to tenth place by 2021. Now, the UK has retaken eighth place but lags behind its European contemporaries.

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The announcement also comes after former health minister Lord James O’Shaughnessy said the UK is “building from a position of strength” as part of a talk summarising UK industry activity after his landmark 2023 review that laid out a path for the UK to climb back up the clinical trials rankings.

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