European University Hospital Alliance Convenes to Drive Advances in Gene and Cell-Based Therapies
The assembly highlighted the rapidly growing field of ATMPs—therapies derived from somatic cells, engineered tissues, or gene modifications. These therapies, governed by unique European regulations, hold promise for conditions with limited traditional treatment options. However, their complexity brings unique regulatory, logistical, and economic challenges. The EUHA sessions tackled these issues head-on, emphasizing the need for streamlined regulatory pathways and collaboration among hospitals to make these therapies more accessible.
The week opened with network meetings and working group sessions that set the stage for an intensive series of discussions on innovation and accessibility in ATMP development. Key sessions focused on the JOIN4ATMP project, a collaborative initiative aimed at bridging academic research and clinical application by easing the regulatory burden for ATMPs.
A central component of the gathering was a high-profile symposium titled "European Academia at the Forefront of Advanced Therapies," which brought together industry experts, regulatory officials, and academic leaders. Representatives from the European Medicines Agency, the Italian Medicines Agency, and others shared insights on improving regulatory clarity and managing the complexities associated with bringing ATMPs to patients across Europe.
The event culminated in the signing of the “Milan Declaration on ATMPs,” a formal commitment by EUHA members to work collaboratively on improving access to these therapies. This declaration underscores EUHA’s dedication to making Europe a leader in advanced medical innovations, aligning regulatory practices with the rapid pace of scientific discovery, and ensuring safe and equitable patient access.
The EUHA assembly, through this ambitious agenda, underscored the alliance's role as a unifying force in European healthcare, championing innovation in therapeutic science while addressing the practical challenges involved in advancing ATMPs from research to real-world treatments.