Starting signal for a solution-orientated concept for Germany. In June 2024, the National Strategy for Gene and Cell Therapies (GCT) was officially published in Berlin and presented to Bettina Stark-Watzinger, Federal Minister of Education and Research, at a dedicated launch event.
Professor Schönermark Contributes to Strategic Paper
Prof. Matthias P. Schönermark, M.D., Ph.D.—Chief Strategy Officer at Kintiga—was one of 150 experts involved in the working group tasked with developing the national strategy for gene and cell therapies. He made a significant contribution to the final paper.
“It was a great pleasure and honour to participate in Working Group VII, which focused on improving market access for gene and cell therapies. We developed concrete proposals to directly facilitate access to ATMPs in Germany and enhance international competitiveness. Let us hope that policymakers will now respond in a targeted and decisive manner.”
– Prof. Matthias Schönermark
A Comprehensive National Strategy
The National Strategy for GCT aims to establish a holistic framework for Germany as a location for innovation, encompassing the entire value chain—from fundamental research to the delivery of medical care. The ultimate goal is to improve patient well-being by providing access to gene and cell therapies for serious diseases where effective treatments are currently unavailable.
The strategy prioritises advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), novel biological approaches such as mRNA technologies, and other gene- and cell-based therapies. It defines eight fields of action, each with strategic objectives and concrete measures, including:
Networking and stakeholder support
Education and development of expertise
Technology transfer
Standards and regulatory frameworks
Expansion of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) production quality and capacity
Research and development
Marketing authorisation and transition to supply
Public and societal engagement
Implementation will now proceed in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders and will be supported by funding from both federal and state governments over the coming years.
Kintiga’s Continued Contribution
Kintiga has already supported the German market access of eight ATMPs in recent years. We welcome the national strategy’s proposals and remain committed to helping ensure that patients with rare or difficult-to-treat conditions gain access to innovative and effective therapies.
- Source: National Strategy https://www.bihealth.org/fileadmin/GZT/NationaleStrategie_GCT_DE.pdf
