Platform technologies are reusable technology fundamentals that can be used to develop multiple drugs or therapies. Instead of starting from scratch with each new drug, a platform provides a standardised approach that allows new applications to be developed faster, more efficiently and often more cost-effectively. Examples include mRNA technology, viral vectors for gene therapy, and AI platforms for drug discovery.

From case to systemic approach
Platform technologies enable the shift from an individual, “case-by-case” approach to a broader, systemic approach. A single platform can be used to develop multiple therapies, which is particularly valuable in rare diseases. This approach can:

• reduce development costs,
• improve the efficacy of therapies,
• and speed up the regulatory approval process.

Moreover, platform technologies encourage collaboration between academic institutions, industry and regulatory authorities. They enable academic researchers to contribute more actively to the development of innovative drugs.

FAST project: understanding use and acceptance
In line with recommendations from the ATMP report CBG and Utrecht University requested to investigate the role of platform technologies in the changing landscape of public and private drug development. They are organising focus groups to explore how platform technologies can best be defined and applied in the context of human medicines.

The focus is on the legal and clinical acceptability of platform technologies in various domains, including:

• Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs),
• vaccines,
• nucleic acid-based therapies,
• and monoclonal antibodies.

By actively involving stakeholders, we are mapping whether platform technology is widely accepted, what factors promote or hinder acceptance, and what the main benefits, challenges and future prospects are. The insights from this project will contribute to more effective development of innovative medicines – for and by public and private developers.

We expect to share results from this project end of this summer.