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Cardinal Health's Groundbreaking Report on Cell and Gene Therapy

On May 7, 2025, Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) released its highly anticipated report titled "2025 Advanced Therapies Report: Revolutionizing Patient Care – The Promise and Potential of Cell and Gene Therapies". This comprehensive document sheds light on the evolving landscape of cell and gene therapies (CGTs), which are viewed as revolutionary treatments for a range of diseases.

This inaugural report is a result of an extensive survey involving over 100 healthcare providers. The study also features insights from subject matter experts and a patient who underwent CAR T-cell therapy, offering unique perspectives that illuminate the state of the CGT industry today.

Craig Cowman, EVP of Biopharma Solutions and Strategic Sourcing at Cardinal Health, emphasized the significant potential of CGTs, stating, "Cell and gene therapies are poised to revolutionize healthcare treatment for a wide range of diseases. They hold the potential to fundamentally improve the lives of patients with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and hereditary conditions."

The report highlights the transformative ability of CGTs, particularly for patients suffering from complex and rare conditions. It documents one patient's journey through CAR T-cell therapy, outlining the challenges faced in navigating the healthcare system to receive necessary treatment.

Future of Advanced Therapies

The advanced therapy sector is on the verge of rapid growth, with predictions indicating over 200 therapies could gain approval by 2030 and more than 100,000 U.S. patients receiving treatment. However, significant barriers remain to full access and adoption of these therapies.

1. Challenges to Access and Adoption: Despite the exciting prospects of CGTs, substantial hurdles continue to impede access. According to the report, several factors contribute to these challenges:
- Financial Constraints: A staggering 56% of survey respondents indicated that high acquisition costs pose a barrier to treatment.
- Reimbursement Issues: 54% voiced concerns over inadequate reimbursement, making it difficult for patients to secure access.

2. Need for Collaboration: To mitigate these access challenges, the report emphasizes the necessity for enhanced cooperation among all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. 69% of respondents believe strategic initiatives between manufacturers and payers, like innovative payment models, are crucial for improving access. Furthermore, 53% noted the importance of extending treatment facilities beyond major academic and medical centers to reach more patients.

3. Patient Access Issues: Alarmingly, many patients still do not receive the CGT treatments they need. The report found that:
- 64% of those surveyed identified insufficient social support, such as a lack of available care partners, as a major reason for treatment gaps.
- 57% pointed towards prior authorization denials as a significant hindrance.

Industry Insights

Fran Gregory, Vice President of Emerging Therapies at Cardinal Health, reiterated the early-stage nature of the CGT industry, stating, "In many ways, we're still in the very early stages of the incredibly promising CGT industry. However, it is also time to take stock of where we stand currently and discuss ideas to help us navigate the significant changes that the growth of these therapies is bringing. Our new report shows how we can move the industry forward."

The insights shared in this report are critical as they highlight vital areas needing improvement within the healthcare system, aiming to ensure that groundbreaking treatments like cell and gene therapies become widely accessible and are utilized to their full potential. As Cardinal Health continues to assess and report on advancements in this field, the hope is that through collaboration and strategic initiatives, the medical community can overcome existing barriers and enhance patient care for the future.

For those interested in the details of the report, it is available through Cardinal Health's official channels for deeper insights into this transformative therapy landscape.