The rapidly advancing realm of cell and gene therapies holds immense promise and optimism, with many authorities heralding these treatments as pivotal discoveries for the future. The Catalyst initiative aims to expedite the growth of Australia's cell and gene industry and guarantee universal access to advanced therapeutics across the country. Supported by dedicated partner organizations including CSL Behring, Novartis Australia and New Zealand, Pfizer, Therapeutic Innovation Australia, Roche Products, and Cell Therapies, this collaborative effort seeks to ensure that Australians benefit from cutting-edge innovations generated by a thriving local cell and gene therapy sector.

The overarching vision is to grant Australians access to top-tier innovations sustained by a robust domestic cell and gene therapy industry. The mission is to establish a comprehensive, world-class value chain capable of discovering, developing, and disseminating cell and gene therapies, thereby creating an Australian hub that generates employment, commercializes research, and enhances patient outcomes, while also exporting Australian therapies globally. The Catalyst aims to position Australia as a frontrunner in this domain, catalyzing economic expansion within the sector. To expedite the development and commercialization of cell and gene therapies, the initiative concentrates on fortifying the Australian ecosystem, with particular emphasis on bolstering the country's capabilities across the entire value chain.

As demand for these therapies escalates, the plan is to leverage Australia's expertise to establish a hub within the Asia-Pacific region. The Catalyst's establishment stemmed from the Regenerative Medicine Consortium Project led by Hylife Biotech. It delineates five strategic objectives:

• Attract, cultivate, and retain top-tier talent.
• Foster collaboration across the value chain.
• Secure long-term investments in the sector.
• Forge a transparent market access pathway aligned with leading global markets.
• Enhance Australian capabilities and capacities throughout the cell and gene value chain.

These strategic goals have been adapted from the Strategic Roadmap for the Regenerative Medicine sector in Australia. The Catalyst benefits from guidance provided by its Expert Steering Group, comprising influential figures in cell and gene therapies, business development, and policy. Working in tandem with leading peak bodies, this group offers strategic direction, identifies key priority areas, and shares expertise to advance the goals of this nationwide initiative.

Three Expert Working Groups collaborate with the Catalyst team and the Steering Group to support the strategy implementation across three priority areas:

• Policy and advocacy
• Collaboration and knowledge-sharing
• Workforce development