Seventy-one experts from 54 organisations in Australia's cell and gene ecosystem have been appointed to Cell & Gene Catalyst's (the Catalyst) four expert working groups to action strategic projects that will benefit the industry.
The joint venture by AusBiotech and Medicines Australia, the Catalyst identified 71 leaders across the value chain to contribute to this important work: 43 in industry, 20 in academia and 8 in the public sector. These professionals will share their diverse expertise and experience as part of the Catalyst's working groups in Policy & Advocacy, Collaboration & Knowledge-Sharing, Workforce Development and Manufacturing.
The expert working groups generate evidence and advice to inform the Catalyst Steering Group as they guide and advance the Catalyst's strategic goals and priorities to accelerate Australia's cell and gene industry.
Working group members were selected from 89 leaders who expressed their interest.
AusBitoech CEO, Rebekah Cassidy, said "This broad, sector-wide commitment demonstrates the value and importance of the cell and gene industry in positioning Australia as a leader in biotechnology globally."
Jane Adams is Head of Market Access with Catalyst partner, Novartis, and will co-chair the Policy & Advocacy working group. She said, "I'm proud to lead this expert working group to help increase access to these world class therapies and ensure they reach patients faster."
Applying an ecosystem-wide lens and a solutions-driven approach, working groups will focus on strategically aligned projects based on the Catalyst's core priority areas: sustainable reimbursement and regulatory pathways, boosting capacity and capability in manufacturing and commercialisation, and supporting research translation and business growth through coordinated communities of practice.
Bev Menner, co-chair of the manufacturing working group and CEO of the Catalyst partner organisation Cell Therapies, said, "It's critical that we build a connected and collaborative manufacturing ecosystem that can service Australia and our region. Our aim is to co-design this with partners across the very broad range of Australian sectors and with governments at the state and federal levels."
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer emphasised the importance of bringing leaders together who are at the forefront of cell and gene therapies, "We are grateful to our members for contributing their skills and expertise. Collaborating in this way will drive better healthcare outcomes and strengthen Australia's position as a world-class cell and gene hub."
Each working group will meet every 4-6 weeks and will be supported by a Co-Chair and an Observer, as well as the Catalyst Director who also serves as Co-Chair for the groups.
Catalyst Director, Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM, said, "Coordination and collaboration as a sector are essential if we are to realise Australia's full potential in cell and gene therapies and achieve our mission: Establishing an end-to-end value chain for the discovery, development, manufacture and distribution of cell and gene therapies, while promoting job creation, commercialising research, and exporting Australian innovation globally."
Medicines Australia and AusBiotech value and appreciate the sector's commitment to accelerating the growth of Australia's cell and gene industry.
Read the Catalyst's full working groups here
