With advances in technology and many innovative treatments on the horizon, cell and gene therapies can reshape healthcare, giving hope to patients who previously had no therapeutic options. But when will their potential be fully realized?

Under the stewardship of The Economist’s editorial team, Cell and Gene Therapy Summit 2024 will convene industry leaders and healthcare stakeholders to debate the challenges of introducing advanced therapies into the mainstream. It will discuss changes in regulatory landscapes, delivery models, structuring clinical trials and gathering real-world evidence that can improve patient access while ensuring companies maintain a competitive edge.

Here are five reasons why cell and gene therapy matter (and why you should attend this event):

1. The world’s most expensive gene therapy costs $3.5m
With a whopping $3.5m price tag, CSL Behring and uniQure have the world’s newest, most expensive drug in Hemgenix. There is a concern that advanced therapies will only be available to the privileged. This event will bring together healthcare stakeholders to discuss how pricing and delivery models can be modernized to keep up with the science and how equitable access can be ensured.

2. The unmet need for CGTs in Europe is significant
Dedicated sessions focus on the European healthcare and regulatory landscape to discuss challenges unique to the region, such as complex market access.

3. Venture capital investment in biotechnology fell by 45% from 2021 to 2022
The event will provide investors’ perspectives on the CGT landscape and discuss how investment can be boosted — investors will share their thoughts on what they look for when investing in a new product.

4. AI is expected to revolutionize the CGT industry
How will artificial intelligence advance the development of cell and gene therapies? How can it hasten research and development, reduce time to market, and ease data configuration and analysis? This event will dive into the excitement and concerns regarding AI in this industry.

5. Health systems require systemic change for the next wave of CGTs
Current regulatory pathways and frameworks are suited to older drug development processes and are hindering progress. The event will present the ways health systems must be reshaped and how hospital and healthcare infrastructure will need to evolve to support CGTs with required specialist training and equipment.

Click here to learn more The Economist’s Cell and Gene Therapy Summit 2024