The Midlands-Wales Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre (MW-ATTC) is one of four centres within the UK’s Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre (ATTC) network, which was established in 2018 through the UKRI Medicines Manufacturing Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK. The network addresses the unique and complex challenges of bringing pioneering Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) to patients and is dedicated to making the UK the leading environment for ATMP clinical trials and research.

The ATTC network’s current focus is on accelerating ATMP clinical trials under a £17.9 million strategic initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Oversight is provided by Innovate UK, with coordination led by the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. The network operates within the NHS framework and comprises:

• iMATCH – Innovate Manchester Advanced Therapy Centre Hub
• LAT-ATTC – London Advanced Therapies
• MW-ATTC – Midlands-Wales Advanced Therapy Treatment Centre
• NA-ATTC – Northern Alliance Advanced Therapies Treatment Centre

Each centre receives £3.3 million to support clinical trial readiness. 

MW-ATTC, co-led by Velindre University NHS Trust and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, leads nationally on Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE). In collaboration with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Advanced Therapies Wales, the centre is addressing the current lack of ATMP-specific PPIE activities through:

• Raising public awareness of ATMPs
• Ensuring equity of access to clinical trials
• Developing a comprehensive Patient Charter for ATMPs