Expanding Access to Cell and Gene Therapy for Patients

Over the past decade, cell and gene therapies (CGTs) have evolved from a theoretical approach to disease treatment to one of healthcare’s most important innovations, offering unprecedented potential to treat and, in some cases, cure many serious diseases like lymphoma and sickle cell disease. Today, more than 30 FDA-approved CGTs are available, and another 10-20 new approvals are expected annually by 2025. 

While the potential for CGTs to improve patient outcomes is exciting, creating broad access for patients remains a challenge. One of the key hurdles that must be overcome is supply chain complexities. These advanced medicines are typically personalized to patients, are expensive to manufacture, are highly time-sensitive, and require innovative shipping and storage mechanisms to maintain temperature and stability. As a result, solutions tailored to the unique needs of CGTs are required to drive increased patient access.  

Enter InspiroGene by McKesson 

McKesson has been working with CGT developers since 2010, leveraging its extensive supply chain expertise and customer-centric approach to support CGT manufacturers on their journey from clinical development to commercial success. As the needs of the CGT market increased over the last few years, McKesson grew its business and built a team of seasoned CGT leaders. In October 2024, McKesson officially launched InspiroGene by McKesson – a new brand that reflects the work the company has been doing to transform CGT care for patients.  

InspiroGene brings deep experience to the CGT commercialization journey with established solutions to address the complex challenges of bringing these advanced therapies to market. To enable manufacturers, payers and providers to navigate the complex CGT commercialization landscape, InspiroGene offers third-party logistics (3PL) programs, specialty distribution services that leverage McKesson’s extensive supply chain network, specialty pharmacy solutions to expedite time to treatment, and a CGT dedicated patient hub that provides tailored access and support services.  

“Cell and gene therapies are transforming outcomes for patients with devastating diseases, in many cases offering hope of a cure where prior treatment options were extremely limited,” says Joe DePinto, head of cell, gene and advanced therapies, McKesson. “With our dedication to patients at the center of everything we do, we can help equip CGT manufacturers with the tools needed to navigate the complex healthcare ecosystem to ultimately get these therapies to the patients who need them.” 

2024 Cell and Gene Therapy Report: Advancing the Future of Medicine 

In tandem with the brand launch, InspiroGene published its inaugural 2024 Cell and Gene Therapy Report: Advancing the Future of Medicine. Designed to provide first-of-its-kind insights about the CGT landscape and its future trajectory, the report includes an overview of the U.S. CGT pipeline, findings from a survey of 124 U.S. oncologists capturing their perspectives on these therapies, a newly developed interactive map of qualified CGT treatment centers nationwide, and interviews with industry experts.    

The oncologist survey provides insights on how CGTs are being used today and possible barriers to future adoption. Key findings include: 

• 99% of oncologists agree that CGTs are among the most important medical innovations of our time. However, 64% also agree that therapies are not easily accessible for patients who meet the labeled indications.
• Three out of five physicians say patients they refer for CGTs often receive other treatments instead. When asked why, they cite insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs as the most common reasons.
• 47% of oncologists say their patients are “rarely” or “never” aware that CGTs are available for their condition. 

The report also reveals that one of the biggest barriers to equitable CGT access is geography. CGT treatments are primarily offered at academic medical centers in major metropolitan areas, leaving many Americans with little to no access.  

McKesson’s research into qualified treatment centers across the U.S., depicted in the report and in an interactive map, illustrates that “CGT deserts” exist across the nation. The report highlights the barriers to advanced care faced by patients and their providers in these underserved areas and examines strategies for transitioning treatment into community settings.  

“Driven by scientific breakthroughs and unprecedented potential to treat a growing number of diseases, the cell and gene therapy field is driving life-changing – and lifesaving – medicines for patients,” DePinto says. “Our inaugural 2024 report is not just a reflection of where we are today, but a roadmap for where we need to go and the possible solutions to broaden access for patients.”

Looking Forward to What’s Next for CGTs 

The CGT field is constantly evolving, and InspiroGene is working not only to understand the changing industry trends, but also to develop new capabilities and solutions to address the growing clinical and commercialization needs. Business leaders are exploring how InspiroGene can better support providers to enable broader use of CGTs, as well as how InspiroGene can collaborate with payers and manufacturers to establish outcomes and reimbursement solutions to help make CGTs more accessible to patients. 

InspiroGene is also working to develop technology platforms that increase visibility within the CGT value chain by integrating product data and financial flows to empower CGT manufacturers, providers and patients to deliver exceptional care. 

As the cell and gene therapy landscape continues to evolve, InspiroGene will be at the forefront, working with all CGT stakeholders to turn innovations into reality, increase patient access, and advance health outcomes for all. 

Interested in joining the InspiroGene team? Check out our latest career opportunities here.