Billions in Deals Reshaping the Cell and Gene Therapy Industry, reports Kalorama Information
ARLINGTON, Va., June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kalorama Information, a leading publisher of life sciences market research, has released the highly anticipated third edition of its landmark report, Cell and Gene Therapy Market Deals: Investments, M&As, and Partnerships, 2021–2025. This comprehensive analysis offers an in-depth look at the financial ecosystem fueling the explosive growth of the cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry — a market defined by breakthrough innovation, global competition, and evolving funding landscapes.
The report is released in two installments, with the first part available now, covering deals through Q4 2024. The second installment, included with purchase, will be released in Fall 2025 and cover activity through Q3 2025.
'Many categories of deals, such as collaborations, distribution/co-marketing, and manufacturing/supply chain, have shown a long-term pattern of growth,' said Justin Saeks, senior market analyst at Kalorama Information. 'And there's reason for optimism regarding continued investments. Cell and gene therapy-related companies have continued to receive huge amounts of investment.'
Key Insights from the Report:
Over 2,000 CGT-related deals analyzed, with quarterly trends tracked from Q1 2021 to Q4 2024
Despite a tighter funding environment, 2024 investment reached an estimated $39 billion, with a sharp Q4 uptick
Top dealmakers include Astellas, Bristol Myers Squibb, Ginkgo Bioworks, Charles River, and Eli Lilly
Deal types covered: VC/PE, IPO/SPAC, licensing, tech transfer, acquisitions, supply chain partnerships, and more
Global perspective includes detailed breakdowns by region — North America, Europe, and APAC
Why This Matters Now
The CGT market is maturing fast, with fluctuating investment trends, growing deal diversity, and strategic partnerships becoming essential to survival. In 2023 and 2024, firms faced a contraction in available capital — from $73 billion in 2021 down to $35 billion in 2023 — yet collaborative and manufacturing partnerships have been on the rise. This suggests that dealmaking is evolving, not disappearing.
Who Should Purchase and Read This Report
This report is essential for:
Biotech and pharma execs seeking M&A or licensing opportunities
VC/PE investors tracking funding cycles and active biotech targets
Strategic planners and BD professionals looking to benchmark activity
Consultants, CROs, and CMOs aligning services with market needs
Regulatory and policy advisors assessing funding shifts and regional dynamics
Strategic Use Cases
Identify high-activity players and ideal partners for collaboration or acquisition
Benchmark funding rounds and valuations for startups or expanding companies
Inform R&D focus by tracking which technologies (e.g., CRISPR, AAV) are attracting deals
Support global expansion using regional deal patterns and emerging market trends
Strengthen regulatory preparedness by understanding the impact of policy shifts on financing
Companion Report Available
This report pairs with Kalorama's Cell and Gene Therapy Market Dynamics by Disease Type: Development, Trends, and Forecasts, 2024–2030 (4th Edition) — offering disease-area breakdowns of the CGT landscape in oncology, neurology, musculoskeletal, and beyond.
Get the Report
Download or purchase the report here:Cell and Gene Therapy Market Deals: Investments, M&As, and Partnerships, 2021–2025 (3rd Edition)
Explore the companion report:Cell and Gene Therapy Market Dynamics by Disease Type, 2024–2030 (4th Edition)
About Kalorama InformationKalorama Information, part of Science and Medicine Group, is a trusted source of market research in the life sciences. With a focus on in vitro diagnostics, biotechnology, and medical devices, Kalorama reports are used by top healthcare companies, government agencies, and investment firms worldwide.
For purchase or custom consultation, contact:Sheri DavieKalorama Information Sales Directorsheri.davie@scienceandmedicinegroup.com
For media inquiries please contact:Alisa AlvichMarketing Directoralisa.alvich@scienceandmedicinegroup.com
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Malaysian Reserve
2 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Novo Nordisk advances early-stage obesity medication, amycretin, to phase 3 clinical development based on early-phase clinical trial results in people with obesity or excess weight, published in The L
Both subcutaneous and oral formulations will advance straight to phase 3 development based on completed clinical studies and feedback received from regulatory authorities1,2 PLAINSBORO, N.J., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, results from two early-phase clinical trials evaluating Novo Nordisk's amycretin, an innovative investigational obesity treatment designed to target appetite regulation, were published in The Lancet.1 In a phase 1b/2a clinical trial of 125 adults with overweight or obesity, once-weekly subcutaneous amycretin appeared to be safe and tolerable in trial participants, who also achieved significantly greater weight loss across the full range of doses investigated versus placebo.1 A related phase 1 trial of once-daily oral amycretin in adults with obesity or overweight also showed that treatment was safe and tolerable with an observed reduction in body weight compared to placebo.2 No weight loss plateau was observed in either trial at the end of the respective treatment durations.1,2 Data on subcutaneous amycretin is scheduled to be presented on Sunday, June 22nd, during a late-breaking poster session at the American Diabetes Association's® (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions.1 'We are pleased with the promising results of amycretin and the feedback from regulatory authorities and are excited to advance both subcutaneous and oral versions of this molecule into phase 3 development for weight management. At Novo Nordisk, we understand that addressing obesity is a complex challenge that many patients face. These results reflect our robust pipeline in obesity, our focus on progressing scientific innovation and expanding the range of options available to patients and healthcare professionals,' said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk. 'We remain steadfast in our mission to discover and develop therapies that can have a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by obesity.' Results from the phase 1b/2a trial of subcutaneous amycretin showed treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild or moderate in severity and increased in frequency in a dose-dependent manner. The most frequent reported TEAEs were gastrointestinal in nature. Compared to placebo, participants receiving amycretin observed greater weight loss across the full range of doses investigated.1 Subcutaneous amycretin at multiple doses demonstrated greater weight reduction than placebo at the end of the trial. Participants who received the highest doses (up to 60 mg) reported body weight reductions of up to 24.3% versus 1.1% with placebo after 36 weeks of treatment. Results from this first-in-human phase 1b/2a study support further investigation of potential weight-loss efficacy of amycretin. Results from the published phase 1 trial of oral amycretin showed that the most common TEAEs were related to gastrointestinal symptoms (mainly nausea and vomiting) and decreased appetite; these were most frequent for the higher doses. Trial participants receiving the study treatment demonstrated significantly greater weight loss across the full range of doses investigated versus the placebo group.2 Exploratory results showed participants taking 100 mg per day of oral amycretin achieved a mean weight loss of 13.1% versus 1.2% with placebo after 12 weeks.2 Based on these phase 1 results, longer evaluation with more participants is warranted to substantiate the full efficacy findings of oral amycretin on body weight reductions and changes in metabolic parameters. Novo Nordisk will advance both subcutaneous and oral amycretin formulations straight to phase 3 development for weight management based on these and other completed clinical studies, as well as feedback received from regulatory authorities. About amycretinAmycretin is a unimolecular long-acting GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist under development by Novo Nordisk, to provide a treatment for adults with overweight or obesity and as a treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes. Amycretin is under investigation for oral and subcutaneous administration, and is not approved in the US for weight loss. About the phase 1b/2a subcutaneous amycretin trialThe phase 1b/2a trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center, double-blinded study of 125 participants assessing the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and effects on body weight after subcutaneous administration of amycretin in people with overweight or obesity.1 Adults with a body mass index of 27-39.9kg/m2 and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <6.5% were eligible for the trial.1 The trial was conducted in 5 parts: a single ascending dose (Part A) for determination of pharmacokinetics and starting dose for the first multiple dose cohort in which the safety and tolerability were explored using dose escalation until 36 weeks of total treatment duration (Part B).1 Lastly, in the multiple ascending dose – dose response parts, body weight loss was explored for up to 36 weeks of dosing by escalating to dose levels of 1.25 mg, 5 mg, and 20 mg, respectively, dosed for 12 weeks (Part E, D and C).1 About the phase 1 oral amycretin trial The phase 1 single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single ascending doses (Part A) and multiple ascending doses (Part B, 10 days of treatment; Part C/D, 12 weeks of treatment) of 144 adult participants with overweight or obesity.2 The primary endpoint was the number of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) observed in the trial. The trial evaluated the single-ascending dose and multiple ascending doses for oral amycretin, up to 2 times 50 mg, in people with overweight or obesity, with a total treatment duration of up to 12 weeks.2 About obesityObesity is a serious chronic, progressive, and complex disease that requires long-term management.3-5 One key misunderstanding is that this is a disease of just lack of willpower, when in fact there is underlying biology that may impede people with obesity from losing weight and keeping it off.3,5 Obesity is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, social determinants of health, and the environment.6,7 The prevalence of overweight and obesity is a public health issue that has severe cost implications to healthcare systems.8,9 In the US, about 40% of adults live with obesity.10 About Novo NordiskNovo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company that's been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for more than 100 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to drive change to help people defeat other serious chronic diseases such as obesity, rare blood, and endocrine disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for lasting success is to stay focused, think long-term, and do business in a financially, socially, and environmentally responsible way. With a US presence spanning 40 years, Novo Nordisk US is headquartered in New Jersey and employs over 10,000 people throughout the country across 12 manufacturing, R&D and corporate locations in eight states plus Washington DC. For more information, visit Facebook, Instagram, and X. Novo Nordisk is committed to the responsible use of our semaglutide-containing medicines which represent distinct products with different indications, dosages, prescribing information, titration schedules, and delivery forms. These products are not interchangeable and should not be used outside of their approved indications. Learn more at Contacts for further information Media: Liz Skrbkova (US)+1 609 917 0632USMediaRelations@ Ambre James-Brown (Global)+45 3079 9289Globalmedia@ Investors: Frederik Taylor Pitter (US)+1 609 613 0568fptr@ Jacob Martin Wiborg Rode (Global)+45 3075 5956jrde@ Sina Meyer (Global)+45 3079 6656 azey@ Ida Schaap Melvold (Global)+45 3077 5649 idmg@ Max Ung (Global)+45 3077 6414mxun@ References Dahl K, Toubro S, Dey S, et al. Amycretin, a novel, unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist administered subcutaneously: Results of a randomised, controlled, phase 1b/2a study. The Lancet. Published online: June 20, 2025. Gasiorek A, Heydorn A, Gabery S, et al. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the first-in-class GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist, amycretin: a first-in-human, phase 1, randomised, placebo-controlled study. The Lancet. Published online: June 20, 2025. Kaplan LM, Golden A, Jinnett K, et al. Perceptions of barriers to effective obesity care: results from the national action study. Obesity. 2018;26(1):61-69. Bray GA, Kim KK, Wilding JPH; World Obesity Federation. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Rev. 2017;18(7):715-723. Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, et al. American association of clinical endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for medical care of patients with obesity. Endocr Pract. 2016;22 (Suppl 3):1-203. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult obesity facts. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: World Obesity Federation. World Obesity Atlas 2023. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk Factors for Obesity. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why it matters. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity and Severe Obesity Prevalence in Adults: United States, August 2021–August 2023. Last accessed June 2025. Available at: © 2025 Novo Nordisk All rights reserved. US25SEMO01477 June 2025
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Green light hoped for gene-edited rice
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Zulkifli showing a photo of the padi leaves that are disease-resistant. 'So with the host, the protein (blight) can't attach because of where we have mutated it. 'When it cannot attach, that is where it will stop,' he told Bernama at Mardi headquarters. The line is not just a scientific breakthrough; it is the first GE plant for Mardi and Malaysia. But as Zulkifli's team approaches the fifth generation of the disease-resistant seed, they are coming closer to another challenge: Malaysia's regulatory grey zone. Grey zone Malaysia is one of Asia's highest per capita consumers of rice, but it does not grow enough padi. In 2023, per capita consumption was 76.7kg per year, according to Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. The rice production numbers have decreased from 2022, showing a 4.7% decrease from 2.28 million tonnes in 2022 to 2.18 million tonnes in 2023. According to the same statistics, local rice production can only meet 56.2% of local demand, leaving the country vulnerable to price shocks and supply disruptions. For padi farmers like 57-year-old Puteh Hassan in Kedah, the worsening weather patterns and recurring disease outbreaks have made harvests increasingly uncertain. 'There was one season we were badly hit (by bacterial blight). We lost 60% of our padi,' she said over the phone. Zulkifli's research could save Puteh's field from another disastrous attack. But the issue putting the research in limbo is whether current regulations on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should apply to GE crops. Unlike GMOs, GE crops do not contain foreign DNA. Instead, they involve precise deletions or tweaks to existing genes – a process some researchers argue is closer to accelerated natural selection. As such, scientists and biotechnologists argue they cannot be judged according to the same standards. So far, the regulatory framework has not caught up. Malaysia's Biosafety Act 2007 governs GMOs but when the law was passed, there was no effective way to edit the genome. The scientists are in a quandary – they are doing ground- breaking work with the potential to help the nation feed its people, but will their GE rice see the light of day? Yellow fields Puteh remembers the season her padi fields turned yellow. Managing her own padi field for the past 15 years, she has seen plenty of bad years. She still remembers when the blight wiped out almost all of her income in 2019. 'I lost one tonne of padi that season,' said Puteh. She had hoped the ensuing seasons would be better but her yields either improved only marginally or got worse. In recent years, extreme temperatures and sudden floods have become more common. On top of that, blight is still there. Bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae, spreads quickly in flooded padi fields and thrives in warm, humid environments like Malaysia's. It browns padi leaves and cuts grain production, leaving farmers with rotten fields. At the same time, farmers are growing less rice. According to National Association of Smallholders Malaysia president Adzmi Hassan, many smallholders have shifted to more lucrative crops like oil palm. He said Malaysia should not just look at technology, it should also look at encouraging padi farmers to grow the staple crop. One way would be to ensure there is a consistent and predictable yield year by year. For two years in a row, beginning in the 2023/24 season, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) had predicted Malaysia's rice production would be below average. The GE padi stands as a potential solution. Until they get more information, these researchers are operating under the assumption that their GE rice will not be subject to the same approval process that stymied past biotech efforts involving GMO products. But still, the fear is there. The scientists remember efforts to conduct open field trials of a pesticide-resistant strain of GMO padi in Perlis in 2019. Nearby communities and environmentalists protested against holding the trials. In the end, the project was shelved. Mardi senior research officer Dr Mohd Waznu Adlyl said Malaysia should follow Japan's and a few other countries' lead, which exempts certain gene- edited crops from GMO regulation if no foreign DNA is present. These countries treat GE crops as normal crops as the gene- editing process works just like natural mutations, only faster. Mohd Waznul says the benefits of growing the new GE variety outweighs any potential risks. He also said the benefits outweighed any potential risks. 'We hope this rice that we produce can somehow help our (scientists) to produce new varieties because there are many issues, like climate change and new emerging pests,' he said. But many see GE foods and GMOs as the same. Third World Network biosafety programme coordinator Lim Li Ching was prepared to start a protest should GE crops be allowed to stage open field trials without any oversight. 'Just because we can do it doesn't mean we should,' she said in an online interview from her home in the UK. While CRISPR technology might work within a plant's own genome, she warned that it could bypass the slow, regulated nature of evolutionary change – introducing traits or gene interactions that might not have natural precedents. She added that even seemingly minor edits could cause unintended effects at molecular level. CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to make precise changes to an organism's DNA. In plants, the process involves several steps, including causing a break or deletion of a DNA strand, and allowing the plant's natural repair mechanisms to fix the break. This method enables the development of crops with improved traits, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and increased yield. Global GE or GMO While Malaysia grapples with regulatory uncertainties, other countries are moving forward with GE crops. India has released two genome-edited rice varieties aimed at enhancing yield and resilience against environmental stresses. These varieties were developed using genome-editing techniques that allow for precise modifications in the plant's DNA. In contrast, Mexico has taken a more cautious approach. In March, the Mexican government amended its constitution to prohibit the use of genetically modified corn seeds, citing concerns over biosafety and the protection of native corn varieties. The ban just applies to GMOs, however, not GE foods. For Malaysia, the adoption of GE crops like Mardi's blight- resistant rice could play a crucial role in enhancing food security. However, without clear regulatory guidelines, these innovations may remain confined to research facilities. Malaysia has set the target of a rice self-sufficiency rate of 80% by 2030, but without intervention, be it via technology or other methods, the nation will likely not meet its goal anytime soon.
The Star
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