Connections Network set to support Advanced Therapies in Scotland

A cooperative network to foster collaboration and boost shared knowledge and expertise within the advanced therapies sector across the north of the UK has been launched by the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult), with support from Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s national economic development agency

As well as establishing events, meetings and networking opportunities amongst industry leaders, the ‘Scottish Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) and Vaccines Network’ will also develop a directory of companies working in advanced therapies in the region, including details on their expertise and offerings. This rich source of information, raising awareness of the capabilities of each organisation, will help encourage and establish more connections and partnerships between academia and industry. 

Over 700 life sciences organisations in Scotland, employing over 41,000 people, have secured 8% growth each year since 2010 and the sector is on track to reach a turnover of £8 billion by 2025.

With this thriving life sciences industry, the CGT Catapult believes there is an opportunity to build an ecosystem and community which by facilitating crucial knowledge exchange and helping organisations work together will bring more potentially life-changing treatments to patients.

The launch of the network follows the opening of CGT Catapult’s site in the Edinburgh BioQuarter in June 2023, which provides laboratory and office space, resources and technology, as well as access to industry expertise, to help cell therapy developers improve their manufacturing processes and navigate the complex regulatory requirements involved in developing and bringing their therapies to market.

Matthew Durdy, Chief Executive of the CGT Catapult, commented: “Scotland has a strong life sciences sector. When people in our industry come together to learn and exchange ideas, with each other and with visiting speakers, powerful collaborations emerge. We believe this Scottish Enterprise supported initiative will result in an even stronger sector and exciting new technologies.”

Victoria Carmichael, Commercial Director at Scottish Enterprise, added: “This network is sure to have a hugely positive effect on the work of the CGT Catapult. We’re really keen to see increased collaboration between our innovative advanced therapies companies and more partnerships working with universities and colleges - because we know that great things happen when knowledge, expertise and ideas are shared.”

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