Gene Therapy at a Crossroads: Novartis Leader Maps the Journey From Hype to Reality

Joshi Venugopal, SVP and Head of Region for Novartis Gene Therapies, outlined three critical inflection points that will determine whether cell and gene therapy reaches its full potential at CDMO Live 2025

The cell and gene therapy industry finds itself squarely in the middle of a classic Gartner hype cycle, according to Novartis gene therapy chief Joshi Venugopal.

Speaking at CDMO Live 2025, Venugopal drew on Novartis's experience with the first two FDA-approved gene therapies to map where the industry stands today — and what it will take to reach the "plateau of productivity."

"We had the opportunity to be the pioneers in introducing these innovative medicines in several countries, and sense the opportunities and challenges first hand," Venugopal told delegates in Rotterdam.

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