The vision for the UK to be placed as a global leader in the development, delivery and commercialisation of cell and gene therapy is central to the work of iMATCH, therefore education is a key component to the overall iMATCH objectives. On the 22nd of October, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust hosted the inaugural iMATCH one day conference ‘ An Overview of Advanced Therapies: The UK Landscape’.  The day showcased some of the great work achieved through the iMATCH consortium, as well as addressing  current challenges and shared learning relevant to the current ATMP landscape in the UK.

The day covered a spectrum of topics which began with an opening session from Innovate UK setting the scene and outlining how the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund has facilitated the formation of the Advanced Therapy Treatment Centres (ATTC) to establish the important network which is now well established and already sharing best practice at a national level. We heard from key speakers from a range of disciplines including clinicians, pharmacists, nurses and regulators talking about current issues relevant to the scale up and delivery of ATMPs such as the challenges of navigating the complex clinical pathways. Most importantly we heard touching and emotional presentations and accounts from patients and families describing their experience and how accessing advanced therapy trials have impacted their lives.

The event was a fantastic success and was attended by 75 delegates from across the UK including Northern Ireland and Scotland. In addition the event was also accessible via live streaming and this was accessed by an additional 45 delegates from across the UK. We would like to extend our thanks to all of our excellent speakers who shared their expertise and insights but also to all of our delegates who made the day so interactive by asking some really interesting and pertinent question generating  the fantastic discussion which took place throughout the day. Our particular thanks go to our patient and family speakers who made the day so thought provoking and poignant and of course our sponsors who enabled us to provide the conference free of charge