A roadmap towards a human-centric safety assessment of advanced therapy medicinal products

Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are among the most complex pharmaceuticals with high human specificity. Species differences severely limit the clinical relevance of in vivo data. We conducted interviews with stakeholders involved in ATMP development about their perspective on the use of in vivo studies, the perceived hurdles and associated potential solutions regarding non-clinical development of ATMPs. In total, 17 stakeholders from 9 different countries were interviewed. A workshop was held with key stakeholders to further discuss major topics identified from the interviews. Conducting in vivo studies remains the status quo for ATMPs development. The hurdles identified included determining the amount of information required before clinical entry and effective use of limited human samples to understand a treatment or for clinical monitoring. A number of key points defined the need for future in vivo studies as well as improved application and implementation of New Approach Methodology (NAM)-based approach for products within a well-known modality or technology platform. These included data transparency, understanding of the added value of in vivo studies, and continuous advancement, evaluation, and qualification of NAMs. Based on the outcome of the discussions, a roadmap with practical steps towards a human-centric safety assessment of ATMPs was established.