New collaboration to further accelerate the development, implementation, and patient access to advanced therapies

Cell and gene therapies and other innovative treatments (ATMPs) offer new hope to patients with serious and often difficult-to-treat conditions. Developers of these complex therapies often face the same challenges: fragmented knowledge, complex regulations, and limited resources. It is precisely these systemic issues that call for a collaborative approach within the ecosystem. To ensure that these complex treatments move more quickly from the laboratory to the patient, ATMP-NL and DARE-NL are officially joining forces.

ATMP-NL, an initiative of FAST, and DARE-NL have drafted a letter of intent setting out how they intend to work together on a structural basis to help ensure that promising cell and gene therapies reach patients more quickly, at a more affordable cost, and in a more sustainable manner. Through this collaboration, both parties are taking an important step toward a stronger, more efficient, and future-proof ATMP ecosystem in the Netherlands.

Complementary strengths for maximum impact
In recent years, DARE-NL has evolved into the national academic infrastructure for ATMP research and development. The network brings together researchers, physicians, pharmacists, and other experts, such as patient representatives and regulatory authorities. Its strength lies in systematically connecting academic expertise to develop concrete solutions for bottlenecks in the development of advanced therapies. Through accessible knowledge sharing and the development of tools that directly contribute to accelerating development and implementation, developers can more efficiently move their products from the lab to reimbursed patient care.

ATMP-NL plays a connecting role within the ecosystem and brings together all stakeholders across the value chain—from researchers and healthcare providers to patient organizations, government, industry, funders, policymakers, and regulatory agencies. The goal is to collaboratively address systemic issues related to ATMPs. In practice, this means that we act together as a central “guide” for researchers and developers with specific questions. In addition, we use real-world experiences and obstacles (case studies) to learn and improve the rules of the game for the entire sector.

Our roles are complementary: As a strong academic network, DARE-NL provides substantive, practical solutions from the lab and the clinic. ATMP-NL then connects this knowledge with all other stakeholders in the field—from industry to government—to streamline regulations, reimbursement, and policy.

Importance for the entire field
This collaboration goes beyond simply coordinating activities. By building on existing structures and initiatives, avoiding overlap, and exploring opportunities for joint development, we create stability and focus within the field. This pooling of resources makes us more efficient while simultaneously opening new doors for joint grant applications and public-private partnerships.

This collaboration also contributes to the Netherlands’ international positioning within the European and global ATMP landscape. By presenting a united front in national and European discussions, DARE-NL and ATMP-NL can help foster an attractive and competitive innovation environment for advanced therapies.

Accelerating patient access
Ultimately, this collaboration revolves around a single shared goal: ensuring that innovative therapies become available to patients more quickly, affordably, and sustainably.

By better linking knowledge development, practical implementation, and ecosystem development, we create a foundation that allows future ATMP innovations to find their way into clinical practice more quickly.

In this complex field, collaboration is not an option but a prerequisite for making progress. With this letter of intent, ATMP-NL and DARE-NL express their ambition to jointly contribute to a cohesive, future-proof Dutch ATMP ecosystem, in which innovation can be translated more quickly into safe, effective, and affordable care for patients.