David Kneen, CEO of Celleo, has been appointed to the Manufacturing Expert Working Group of Australia’s Cell and Gene Catalyst, a joint initiative between AusBiotech and Medicines Australia. This influential working group brings together leading experts from industry, academia and the public sector, aiming to shape policy, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and boost collaboration within Australia’s growing cell and gene therapy sector.

“Coordinated national strategies are critical to meeting the sophisticated requirements of the rapidly evolving cell therapy industry,” emphasised Mr Kneen. “Initiatives like Catalyst provide the strategic direction to ensure Australia builds a robust cell therapy sector, benefiting patients and markets.

Mr Kneen noted Australia’s potential within the global cell therapy value chain, building off the country’s strengths in research, development, and clinical trials. He reflected on the unique importance of manufacturing to growing the cell therapy ecosystem.

“Cell therapies have reached a tipping point, where patients receiving commercial therapies now outnumber those in clinical trials,” highlighted Mr Kneen. “Efficient, scalable manufacturing – the focus of this Expert Working Group – remains the dominant bottleneck impeding patient access worldwide, and hence represents a transformative opportunity for our industry.”

Mr Kneen’s contribution to the Catalyst working group is also anticipated to benefit Celleo in the fast-evolving market, maintaining strategic thought leadership, and staying abreast of cutting-edge policy developments, industry advancements and market trends.

The Catalyst initiative, jointly run by AusBiotech and Medicines Australia, mobilises experts from across industry, academia, and government to drive strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Australia’s position in cell and gene therapy globally.