For decades, America has been the global leader in medical innovation, guided by a commitment to improving health by unlocking the ability to confront devastating diseases and transform patients’ lives.
Cell and gene therapies are one of many breakthroughs that have the power to transform the way we treat and prevent disease, offering hope to patients who manage debilitating illnesses. These treatments address the root causes of disease – oftentimes with a single administration.
PhRMA’s latest report, “Future of Medicine: Cell and Gene Therapies,” explores the promising pipeline of cell and gene therapies and underscores the importance of ensuring patients can benefit from these life-changing medicines.
The report dives deep into the scientific and policy landscape of cell and gene therapies, including:
- Expanded treatment options for patients. There are currently 25 approved cell and gene therapies in the United States, 9 of which are cancer therapies.
- Next-generation treatments on the horizon. As of January 2026, 438 cell and gene therapies are currently in development in the United States.
- Threats to American biopharmaceutical leadership. China made up 39% of the global clinical trial sites for cell and gene therapies in 2024, compared to 19% for the U.S.
- Need for evolved coverage and payment structures. We must make sure our health care system is keeping up with the pace of innovation and offering patients access to these cell and gene therapies.
The report also spotlights new research on the barriers patients in Medicare face accessing CAR T-cell therapy to treat cancer:
- Only 1 in 10 Medicare patients who are eligible for CAR-T actually receive it.
- The average time from initial diagnosis to receiving a CAR-T therapy is approximately 29 months – far too long for patients battling devastating diagnosis.
- Eligible patients in rural areas are much less likely to receive CAR T-cell therapy.
The biopharmaceutical industry is investing in American manufacturing and infrastructure to unlock the full potential of cell and gene therapies and bring them to American patients.
Read the full report and access other reports PhRMA.org/FutureOfMedicine.
Drew Voytal
Drew Voytal, MPA is a Senior Director of public affairs at PhRMA focusing on advocacy and policy communications on key issues, including 340B. His career in health care advocacy, policy and public affairs spans more than a decade in Washington, DC where he has built relationships with key government and industry partners to advance public policy priorities. Drew has personally experienced the benefits of biopharmaceutical research and innovation and is passionate about telling the story of this vital industry.
Drew Voytal