JOIN4ATMP 3rd Annual Meeting in Berlin: Bringing Expert Perspectives Together to Improve Patient Access to Advanced Therapies
On 1-2 October 2026, the JOIN4ATMP consortium gathered in Berlin, Germany, for its 3rd Annual Meeting. Hosted at the KARL STORZ Visitor and Training Centre, the two-day event brought together project partners and external experts from across the advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) field. The main objective was to discuss and refine the JOIN4ATMP Recommendations, aimed at overcoming barriers to ATMP development and improving equitable patient access to innovative therapies across Europe.
Bringing diverse perspectives to the table
A particular highlight of the meeting was the participation of external experts representing a broad range of perspectives, including academic research, clinical practice, regulatory authorities, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, research infrastructures and patient organisations.
Their expertise provided valuable input on the challenges that continue to hinder the development, clinical translation and accessibility of ATMPs, including cell and gene therapies.
Throughout the first day, the five JOIN4ATMP scientific work packages presented their key findings and proposed recommendations, covering the entire ATMP development pathway:
- Preclinical development: Improving the reliability and predictability of safety and efficacy testing.
- Manufacturing: Supporting more harmonised, efficient and flexible ATMP production across Europe.
- Clinical translation: Addressing regulatory and practical barriers to clinical trials and market authorisation.
- Pricing and reimbursement: Exploring sustainable economic models to facilitate patient access.
- Stakeholder awareness and engagement: Strengthening regulatory knowledge, information exchange and patient involvement.
The presentations were followed by interactive discussions with the external experts, who provided feedback on the relevance, feasibility and potential impact of the proposed recommendations. A dedicated expert panel concluded the first day's discussions, focusing on the most pressing obstacles to ATMP access in Europe and identifying opportunities for improvement.
From expert feedback to actionable recommendations
On the second day, consortium members worked in dedicated breakout sessions to consolidate the feedback received and further refine the JOIN4ATMP Recommendations. A key outcome of the discussions was the importance of making the recommendations more targeted, prioritised and actionable. Particular attention was given to identifying the stakeholders responsible for implementation, potential financing mechanisms, the barriers addressed and the expected benefits for patients.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of European collaboration, regulatory harmonisation, sustainable development pathways and the meaningful involvement of patients in shaping the future of advanced therapies.
Looking ahead
The Berlin meeting marked an important milestone as JOIN4ATMP moves towards finalising its recommendations for improving ATMP development and patient access across Europe. Building on the valuable contributions of the external experts, the consortium will further consolidate its recommendations, with the aim of providing practical guidance for policymakers, regulatory authorities, healthcare institutions, developers and other stakeholders.
The ultimate goal remains clear: to help create a European environment in which innovative advanced therapies can reach the patients who need them more efficiently, sustainably and equitably.
JOIN4ATMP sincerely thanks all external experts and consortium partners for their active participation, constructive discussions and valuable contributions to the meeting.
The JOIN4ATMP consortium 
