The landscape for Cell and Gene Therapy continues to move at a bewilderingly and astonishingly rapid pace worldwide.  Asia is no exception and together with the USA, China has set the pace for the CAR-T revolution.  Japan has also revolutionised the field with the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC) and we have seen exciting innovations happening in India and other regions.  In fact, almost all countries I have been in contact with are pursuing a national interest in cell and gene therapy.

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The promise as well as the challenges for this field are enormous with ramifications not only to the biomedical sector as well as a growing role driving economic growth as well as transforming the treatment algorithms for a whole range of diseases from haematology to degenerative disorders

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We would therefore like to welcome everyone to the next ACTO Congress which will be held in Singapore from 14th to 16th August 2025. This promises to be an ambitious meeting with a program that will cover all aspects important to cell and gene therapy as mentioned above.  The program will serve to update attendees on the latest scientific initiatives in the Asia Pacific region as well as the unique opportunities and challenges of this region.  In addition, the congress will also focus on the rising cost of such therapies, affordability and equity of access issues as well as the critical regulatory infrastructure that needs to accompany this field by providing the governance and quality framework.  The focus on ethical, legal and regulatory issues is critical with the continued unproven use of cell and gene therapy, particularly in the field of stem cells and its promise of tissue regeneration.

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The congress will provide a forum for discussion and knowledge exchange on cell and gene therapy manufacturing capabilities, both locally and nationally.  It will also discuss the pressing need for specialist manpower and the requisite training involved.  In addition, we will also focus on the patient perspective and how disease treatment is being revolutionised by this exciting area of cell and gene therapy.

 

So I urge everyone who is interested in this field and those who would want to know more about developments in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region to register and attend this congress.

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Singapore is a compact city that has always been receptive to new technologies and advances.  It has an excellent infrastructure to host scientific congresses while also allowing attendees the opportunities to explore the multi-cultural, technologically advanced city state that it is known for and the wealth of interesting tourist attractions to explore.

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Please mark your calendar and come join us August 14-16th!

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Prof Mickey B C Koh

Co-Chair, ACTO 2025

Professor of Haematology

Clinical Director-Renal, Haematology and Oncology

Head-Haematology

St George’s University Hospitals

United Kingdom