Europe risks losing its cell and gene therapy advantage

Pharma industry leaders at Phacilitate Advanced Therapies Europe (ATE) 2026 have this week warned that Europe must address persistent barriers to commercialization, reimbursement, manufacturing scale-up and patient access if it is to maintain its position as a global leader in cell and gene therapy.

Held in Barcelona, Spain, and attended by stakeholders from across the advanced therapies ecosystem, the conference highlighted growing consensus that the sector's greatest challenge is no longer scientific innovation alone. Delegates pointed to the need for safer and stronger regulatory, funding and commercial frameworks that can enable promising therapies to reach patients more quickly, efficiently and at scale.