The life sciences industry is witnessing a transformative shift in drug discovery and development, with a move towards Advanced Therapeutic Modalities (ATMs). These modalities, encompassing engineered cell therapies, gene therapies, and nucleic acid therapies, present groundbreaking therapeutic impacts, from reprogramming immune cells to fight diseases to correcting genetic disorders. The global ATM pipeline has seen a remarkable 20% annual growth rate from 2017 to 2022, accounting for approximately 20% of the worldwide therapeutics pipeline activity. Analysts project that ATM drug sales may reach $45 billion to $60 billion by 2027, excluding Covid-19 vaccines.
This evolution poses significant challenges and opportunities for stakeholders. ATMs demand a paradigm shift in research and development timelines, emphasizing manufacturing speed, cost, and consistency. With personalized and complex structures, ATMs introduce non-traditional supply chain logistics and manufacturing economics, necessitating early investments in robust and scalable manufacturing processes. As ATMs move from niche to mainstream, life sciences companies must strategically navigate manufacturing strategies, supply chain control, and technology innovations to participate in the next wave of medical biotechnology innovations.
