Cell and gene therapy developers worldwide have a new source of support in positioning their therapies for success thanks to the launch of the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Integration Hub by Greater Philadelphia-based Chamber member AmerisourceBergen. The global pharmaceutical solutions company, headquartered in Conshohocken, Pa., announced its CGT Integration Hub on April 24, 2023. The platform-agnostic system, powered by the company’s customer relationship management system, aims to improve connectivity across the cell and gene therapy treatment journey by streamlining the path-to-care process to enable an enhanced patient and provider experience.

Specifically, AmerisourceBergen’s CGT Integration Hub will:

  • Expedite the benefits investigation process;
  • Assist in coordinating patient scheduling by providing physicians and case managers with real-time visibility into the therapy development and transportation status; and
  • Alert case managers of status changes, such as delayed arrival dates.

“We are on the verge of several landmark CGT approvals this year in the United States, which reflects the rapid pace at which this sector is moving. But the healthcare system needs to keep pace with the science,” said Lung-I Cheng, Ph.D., Vice President of Cell & Gene Therapy at AmerisourceBergen. “Our role in the pharmaceutical supply chain, coupled with our commercialization expertise, enables us to play a vital role in helping to advance innovation and access to these products. We continue to focus on how we can create a more connected CGT ecosystem and introduce novel solutions that meet the needs of our biopharma partners, healthcare providers, and patients.”

Supporting Commercialization of Krystal Biotech’s Gene Therapy

Last month, AmerisourceBergen announced it would serve as the exclusive specialty distributor for Krystal Biotech, Inc.’s gene therapy product, VYJUVEK™ (beremagene geperpavec-svdt). Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 19, 2023, VYJUVEK™ is used to treat patients six months of age or older with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. AmerisourceBergen’s commercialization support is expected to include third-party logistics, including CGMP kitting, storage, and distribution of frozen products.

“Cell and gene therapy products can transform how certain diseases are treated, offering significant promise for patients around the world. Our goal is to provide developers with access to services across the product lifecycle to simplify the commercialization process and help them achieve the outcomes they desire,” Cheng said. “We are thrilled to support Krystal Biotech and look forward to providing the services needed to help them drive commercial success and ensure patients have timely and reliable access to the treatment.”

The news comes one year after the establishment of AmerisourceBergen’s cell and gene therapy service line as part of its commitment to support cell and gene therapy innovators throughout the commercialization journey in areas including clinical trial and commercial logistics and market access and reimbursement support.

AmerisourceBergen is a founding supporter of Greater Philadelphia’s Cell & Gene Therapy Initiative, working to advance Greater Philadelphia’s role as a leader in cell and gene therapy.