What are Advanced Therapies?
Advanced Therapies, also known as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) are medicines or treatments that are offered to patients to treat specific diseases. These therapies work by using the body’s natural ability to repair itself. The medicines used are based on genes, tissues or cells. They offer ground-breaking new opportunities for the treatment of disease and injury.
What types of diseases are Advanced Therapies used for?
Advanced Therapies are used to treat diseases that can cause damage and/or changes to structures in the cells, genes or tissues of the body. Some examples of these diseases are:
• Cancers.
• Genetic disorders such as haemophilia and sickle cell disease.
• Auto-immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Neurological Conditions e.g. Parkinsons Disease.
These are just a few examples – there are many others too.
There are four types of ATMPs
Gene Therapies
involve the transfer of genetic material into the cells of a patient’s body to treat the underlying cause of a specific disease. This may involve adding, removing or altering the patients DNA, this is known as genome editing technology.
Somatic Cell Therapies
involve the transfer of intact, live cells into a patient to help lessen or cure a disease. The cells may originate from the patient’s own cells (autologous) or from a donor (allogenic).
Tissue Engineered Products
involve regenerating, replacing or repairing human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function. Current examples use the patient’s own cells for therapy manufacture.
Combined Therapies
involve cells or tissues that have been combined with one or more medical device(s).
What are the benefits of Advanced Therapies?
Advanced therapies offer significant potential benefits by providing innovative treatments for diseases and injuries, but most importantly benefit the health and wellbeing of patients They represent a shift from traditional treatments by targeting the underlying cause of diseases rather than just managing symptoms. Advanced therapies can lead to improved overall health outcomes for patients across a range of conditions and in many cases can lead to life saving treatment and cures. These therapies contribute to better disease management, reduced symptoms, and increased quality of life.
Horizon Scanning
Request a copy of the latest edition of Advanced Therapies Horizon Scanning Snapshot.
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Events
Find out about upcoming advanced therapies related events happening in Wales and beyond.
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Delivery Plan
The Delivery Plan for Advanced Therapies in Wales has been written on behalf of everyone involved in advanced therapies across Wales.
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