Cell and Gene Therapy

The Greater Philadelphia region is recognized worldwide as a leader in cell therapy, gene therapy, and gene editing. In fact, this is where the field started two decades ago and where it continues to rapidly grow. Our region’s commitment to R&D excellence and deep talent pool led to the first FDA-approved cell therapy and the first FDA-approved gene therapy.

Select recently released an in-depth report documenting the region’s remarkable growth in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry over the past decade. “Leading the Way: Cell and Gene Therapy in Greater Philadelphia” details with data points and anecdotes how the region grew its status to become the nation’s second-largest CGT hub, trailing only behind Boston and surpassing New York and San Francisco (peer metros), respectively. A recent Colliers report indicated similar findings.

Today, the Greater Philadelphia region is home to more than 60 cell and gene therapy development companies and countless research labs, as well as numerous contract research organizations and other supporting firms. Institutions including the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Coriell Institute, Christiana Care Gene Editing Institute, Jefferson Health, Temple University, and the Wistar Institute contribute to the steady stream of scientific discoveries and technical expertise that underpin these companies. The subsector also benefits from a robust talent pipeline, with nearly 10,000 workers holding specific expertise in cell and gene therapy.

In addition, the highly collaborative nature of our larger life sciences ecosystem has fostered collaborations like the Cell & Gene Therapy and Connected Health Initiative, which features 11 partner companies, institutions, and universities in the Greater Philadelphia region. Together, our stakeholders are revolutionizing the future of healthcare.

Top: The Discovery Labs in King of Prussia hosts world-renowned life sciences institutions and innovative startups on their 2.8 million square-foot campus, with the ability to add up to 3 million square-feet. Below slideshow images courtesy of, in part: Drexel University; Lydia Polimeni, National Institutes of Health; PIDC; Princeton University, Office of Communications; and University of Pennsylvania Flickr.