Clinical development of Gene therapy needs a tailored approach: A regulatory perspective from the EU.

Abstract

Gene therapy is a rapidly evolving field, which needs an integrated approach, as acknowledged in the Concept paper on the revision of the guideline on gene transfer medicinal products (Concept paper, EMA, 2009). The first gene therapy application for marketing authorisation was approved in the ICH region in 2012, the product being Alipogene tiparvovec (http, summary for the public, 2012). The regulatory process for this product has been commented on extensively, highlighting the challenges posed by such a novel technology (English, 2011; Flemming, 2012; Melchiorri et al, 2013; Miller, 2012). Here, as current or previous members of the Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT), we share our perspectives and views on gene therapy as a treatment modality based on current common understanding and regulatory experience of gene therapy products in the EU to date. It is our view that a tailored approach is needed for a given gene therapy product in order to achieve successful Marketing Authorisation.