Regenerative Medicine: Business Models, Venture Capital and the Funding Gap

This project has explored potential funding models to support the development of regenerative medicine therapies, focusing particularly on the funding gap or gaps in the later stages of clinical development. We considered which current and potential funding models could support RM innovation in the UK, based on: (1) a literature survey of reports relevant to innovative funding models for RM therapies; (2) Innogen Institute and Innogen Centre previous research and current policy engagement; (3) engagement with the ongoing work of the Cell Therapy Catapult; and (4) interviews and a workshop based discussion with other key actors in the RM innovation process (companies, policy makers, investors and healthcare professionals). We explored the range of funding models currently available across all countries with interests in RM development and considered their feasibility and viability in contributing to company strategies and product portfolios and, ultimately, to UK national competitive advantage.
We gave attention mainly to:
• Autologous cellular products – patients are treated with a modified version of their own cells.
• Allogeneic cellular products – patients are treated with cells from a single donor multiplied on a large scale and distributed widely.