Now in its 22nd year, the conference was held amidst the thriving biotech ecosystem of Southern California and featured breakthrough announcements, insightful panels, and networking opportunities, solidifying Advanced Therapies Week as a hub for connection and innovation.
Kimberley Barnes, President at Phacilitate, commented: “After years of scientific breakthroughs, the mood at this year’s Advanced Therapies Week suggested a clear shift: we’ve largely solved for science. The challenge now is building the systems that can carry these therapies the last mile to patients.
“What emerged throughout the week was a sense of grounded optimism – recognition that the sector is finally aligning around the operational, regulatory and funding structures needed to make CGTs truly scalable. ATW 2026 showed an industry ready to move from possibility to practicality, and that mindset will define the year ahead.”
Key themes and takeaways
- In vivo takes the spotlight, making Point of Care manufacturing the next frontier: Advanced Therapies Week made one message impossible to miss: in vivo therapies are the next big thing in biotech. With growing big pharma investment signaling confidence in the science, the question is no longer “can we do it?” but “how can we scale it?” Expanding access now hinges on addressing key barriers to point-of-care manufacturing, ensuring hospitals are ready to realistically deliver complex CGTs at scale.
New innovations debuting at ATW aimed squarely at these bottlenecks. The launch of Nucleus Biologics’ Krakatoa® K500 system - the first bioreactor-scale, pod-based media and buffer manufacturing system delivers sterile solutions on demand and at point-of-use – tackles core challenges around cost and complexity of bedside delivery. Complementing these advances, CaseBioscience® introduced two next-generation therapy-grade cryopreservation and hypothermic storage solutions focused on preserving long-term cell health and stability beyond immediate post-thaw viability, supporting more consistent clinical performance in cell therapy development.
- Alternative funding models gain momentum as biotech seek new routes to capital: ATW examined how alternative financing models are giving biotech companies new ways to fund progress at every stage of development. Dr. Nicole Paulk, CEO of Siren Biotechnology, captivated attendees with her account of raising approximately $5 million through a Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) offering on top of a traditional $20 million Series A round. The experiment tested whether patient communities, particularly those affected by cancer, would invest directly in therapies under development. Results demonstrated strong patient engagement and opened a potential new pathway for early-stage biotech capital formation.
- Regulatory momentum accelerates, with transparency at the forefront: Experts highlighted the rapid evolution of regulatory landscapes, with increased investment in biotech infrastructure worldwide and the imperative for companies to diversify across regions. A key development was the U.S. FDA’s move toward real-time publication of Complete Response Letters (CRLs), promising greater clarity and industry learning – especially for complex cell, gene, and RNA therapies. Former Arcturus Therapeutics CSO Roberta Duncan emphasized that multinational access is now a necessity, not a luxury.
- Breakthrough modalities reshape therapeutic possibilities: Next‑generation CGT platforms presented at ATW are expanding what advanced therapies can treat and how they can be delivered.
- The AI-driven platform that could reverse Alzheimer's: LigronBio CEO Nataraj Pagadala presented a gene therapy platform combining mRNA delivery and novel molecular glues to target and degrade toxic protein aggregates, aiming to reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Early cell studies show promising reduction of aggregates, and the company is advancing toward preclinical testing, supported by an AI-driven discovery platform.
- D&P Bioinnovations’ regenerative bioimplant for esophageal cancer: Derek C. Dashti, founder and CEO unveiled a bioengineered implant that regenerates esophageal tissue using nano-engineered biomaterials and stem-cell–derived factors. Designed to replace invasive surgeries, early models suggest full tissue regeneration within a month and the technology holds platform potential for other tissues. Dashti underscored the goal of delivering immediate, off-the-shelf regenerative therapies.
- Mentorship and visibility emerge as critical levers for closing CGT’s gender gap: In support of International Day of Women and Girls in Science Day, Advanced Therapies Week panelists addressed the need for greater female representation in senior scientific and leadership roles within the cell and gene therapy sector. Survey data revealed persistent barriers, such as limited access to role models and uncertain career paths, while emphasizing the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and non-linear transitions from academia to industry. Leadership diversity was shown to be critical for team-building and policy design, with outreach programs vital to expanding the talent pool. As one panelist noted, “You cannot be what you cannot see.”
For more information about Advanced Therapies Week and future events including Advanced Therapies Europe and Advanced Therapies World visit https://www.phacilitate.com/advanced-therapies-week.
ENDS
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About Phacilitate:
Phacilitate exists to unite the global advanced therapies ecosystem — connecting biotech innovators, investors, pharma leaders, and solution providers across every stage of the commercialization journey. Through its flagship cell and gene therapy events, digital content, and strategic partnerships, it creates environments where innovation thrives, partnerships form, and breakthroughs happen.
The company produces Advanced Therapies Week and Advanced Therapies Europe - two of the industry’s most respected events, bringing together global leaders in cell and gene therapy, biotech, pharma, CDMOs, and investment.
In 2026, Phacilitate expands its global footprint with the launch of Advanced Therapies World in Saudi Arabia, creating a new platform to connect international expertise with the rapidly growing MENA life sciences ecosystem.
Together, these carefully curated events combine thought leadership, business development, and networking to spark progress across the entire advanced therapies landscape.
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