Uniphar Expands Cell and Gene Therapy Portfolio with Tenth Project Milestone
In a significant advancement that underscores its continued investment in next-generation healthcare solutions, Uniphar, a global leader in pharmaceutical and medtech services, has officially launched its 10th cell and gene therapy (CGT) project. This latest initiative further solidifies the company’s growing leadership in the CGT space, a sector poised to revolutionize the treatment of previously intractable diseases by targeting the root causes at the genetic and cellular levels.
The launch not only marks a numerical milestone but also highlights Uniphar’s strategic focus on building sustainable access frameworks for some of the most complex therapies in modern medicine. With established capabilities across both the European and U.S. markets, the company’s increasing footprint in the field reflects a broader mission: to ensure that patients, regardless of geography or economic status, have access to potentially life-changing CGT treatments.
Expanding CGT Capabilities in Critical Therapeutic Areas
Uniphar’s journey into cell and gene therapy began with an emphasis on high-burden therapeutic areas, including neuromuscular disorders and oncology. These focus areas have remained central to its pipeline, and notably, a significant proportion of its projects have been tailored to serve pediatric populations—who often face limited therapeutic options and disproportionately long wait times for access to novel interventions.
With CGT gaining traction across multiple indications—from spinal muscular atrophy to CAR-T therapies for hematological malignancies—Uniphar has been instrumental in accelerating the adoption and access of these therapies in more than 50 countries. The company’s CGT programs have collectively supported over 600 patients, bridging the divide between innovation and accessibility in markets that may otherwise face long delays in therapeutic availability.
Overcoming Geographic and Logistical Barriers to Access
The successful execution of CGT programs across such a broad geography is no small feat. These treatments, by their nature, are among the most logistically complex to develop, deliver, and administer. Challenges range from navigating fragmented regulatory landscapes to managing ultra-cold chain supply systems necessary for maintaining the viability of cell-based therapies.
“The promise of cell and gene therapies continues to grow, as does the expectation of the patient communities who may benefit,” said Tom Smith, Strategic Director of Cell and Gene Therapies at Uniphar. “Bringing these complex therapies into new markets presents a unique set of challenges, from regulatory hurdles to complex supply chain logistics. By continuously refining our approach and building tailored and scalable infrastructure, we can ensure these breakthrough therapies reach patients worldwide as quickly and efficiently as possible—particularly in areas with a high unmet need.”
To that end, Uniphar has established strategic alliances with regulatory authorities, healthcare providers, and logistics partners to build region-specific solutions that streamline the delivery of CGT treatments. In underserved markets, these relationships are essential for addressing infrastructure limitations, training healthcare professionals, and ensuring that patients receive therapies within the narrow administration windows required for efficacy.
Partnering Across the Pharmaceutical Development Lifecycle
A key differentiator in Uniphar’s CGT strategy is its comprehensive service model, which spans the entire pharmaceutical development lifecycle. From early-stage market access planning to clinical trial logistics, and ultimately, commercialization and patient support, the company partners with biopharmaceutical firms to ensure continuity across every phase of a therapy’s evolution.
Uniphar currently collaborates with over 200 organizations globally, providing bespoke support services designed to meet the unique demands of cell and gene therapies. Central to this approach are the company’s Expanded Access Programs (EAPs), which have become a cornerstone of its early access model.
Through EAPs, Uniphar enables pharmaceutical companies to deliver potentially life-saving therapies to patients prior to full regulatory approval. These programs are especially critical in rare disease spaces where traditional clinical trials may not be feasible or ethically acceptable due to the severity and progression of the conditions being studied.
Financial Sustainability Through Early Access
One of the most compelling aspects of Uniphar’s CGT model is the demonstration of commercial viability even before product launch. To date, the company has generated approximately half a billion dollars in revenue through early access initiatives on behalf of its CGT partners. This revenue not only validates the economic model underpinning EAPs but also highlights the potential for early access to serve as a revenue-generating bridge that supports continued investment in innovation.
In addition to financial benefits, these programs yield valuable data and real-world insights that inform regulatory submissions, health technology assessments, and pricing discussions. Pharmaceutical partners benefit from a more robust evidence base, while regulators and payers gain early visibility into treatment outcomes, safety profiles, and patient demand.
A Vision for 2025 and Beyond: Scaling Innovation Responsibly
Looking ahead, Uniphar plans to further scale its CGT operations by enhancing platform capabilities, expanding geographic reach, and deepening strategic partnerships. The company is currently preparing to launch several new EAPs, and plans to integrate more digital health tools to streamline patient enrollment, outcome monitoring, and compliance reporting.
This forward momentum aligns with Uniphar’s broader organizational growth, which was recently reflected in its full-year financial results for 2024. The pharmaceutical and medtech divisions posted strong organic growth rates of 17.6% and 9.1%, respectively, underscoring the robustness of its diversified business model. Meanwhile, its supply chain and retail operations reported a 5.5% increase in gross profit, further reinforcing the company’s financial health and ability to reinvest in innovative service offerings.
Driving the Future of Patient-Centered Access
With the launch of its 10th cell and gene therapy project, Uniphar is not just adding another milestone to its CGT portfolio—it is setting a precedent for how complex, cutting-edge therapies can be brought to patients with both speed and integrity. Through its holistic approach that spans strategy, logistics, compliance, and patient support, Uniphar continues to reshape the landscape of global pharmaceutical access.
As cell and gene therapies push the boundaries of what medicine can achieve, companies like Uniphar will play a pivotal role in turning scientific potential into patient reality—one tailored, scalable, and sustainable solution at a time.
