Ireland, long recognised for its strength in pharmaceutical manufacturing, is now taking decisive steps to become a key player in the fast-evolving field of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products – a category that includes gene therapies, cell-based treatments, and tissue-engineered products. As the global pipeline for advanced therapies grows, so too does Ireland’s ambition to support and scale these next-generation medicines from laboratory research to therapeutic implementation.
In a recent IDA Ireland insight, national leaders from academia, government, and industry outlined a coordinated effort to build an integrated ATMP ecosystem. Central to this vision is the collaboration between Trinity College Dublin’s Translational Medicine Institute, NIBRT, and the IMPACT investment proposal, which unites seven Irish universities, five hospitals, and over 60 principle investigators.
Professor Sakis Mantalaris, Scientific Director of the new institute at Trinity, highlights Ireland’s relatively small size as a key advantage.
“Because Ireland is small, we intend to put together interdisciplinary, integrated teams and draw expertise – let’s say from the appropriate immunologist or the manufacturing expert to the clinical expert or patient advocacy groups. We think that by creating this environment and because of the size, being small, will have a multiplying effect. We want to create a sustainable ecosystem in Ireland,” he explains.
This agility, combined with deep manufacturing expertise and a robust regulatory environment, sets Ireland apart in the global race for ATMP leadership.
The challenges in this space are non-trivial. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, ATMPs are highly personalised, sensitive to handling conditions, and difficult to scale. From sourcing and engineering cells to ensuring GMP-compliant production and managing complex logistics, each step requires precision, expertise, and infrastructure. Ireland’s strategy is to establish end-to-end capabilities – from discovery through to clinical deployment and post-market monitoring – while also enabling access for Irish patients, many of whom currently travel abroad for such treatments.
According to analysis from Precision Research, the global market for advanced therapies – including cell and gene therapies – was valued at US$14.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to more than double by 2027. By 2033, it is forecasted to reach US$97 billion, accounting for roughly 20% of the total pharmaceutical market. With this growth in view for the ATMP sector, Ireland’s established pharma base and investment in infrastructure offer compelling advantages for clinical trials, innovation, and commercialisation.
The national goal is ambitious: by 2034, Ireland aims to support over 1,000 ATMP-treated patients annually and create 3,000 new jobs in the field. If realised, this vision would not only expand Ireland’s life sciences footprint but also provide critical therapeutic options for patients in need – solidifying the country’s role as a serious contender in the global ATMP landscape.
