After the early success of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, T-cell immunotherapy has emerged as another innovative and potent arm of the immuno-oncology market. Characterized by features such as target specificity, adaptability and memory, T-cells have been effectively used as tools to mediate an immune response. According to a recent report by Roots Analysis, there are close to 180 therapies across various phases of development.

Apurva Bhardwaj, a principal analyst, said, “The likely growth is supported by a robust and opportunistic pipeline targeting various indications. The T-cell therapy market is expected to make a huge leap over the coming decade and be worth $30 billion by 2030. Innovative research, lucrative rounds of VC funding, discovery of several novel targets and encouraging clinical trial results have emerged as the key drivers of this market.

“Academicians across the globe have significantly contributed by convening the initial research; this has served as the framework for several startups to drive the research forward. Kite Pharma is the current flag-bearer; Novartis, Juno Therapeutics, CBMG, Celyad, Lion Biotechnologies, Immunocore and Adaptimmune are amongst other well-known players.”

Funding from VC firms and strategic investors has been a key enabler behind that evolution. The report confirms that, over the last six years, close to $3 billion was invested across several startups; the trend is unlikely to subside in the near future. In addition, the market also is seeing a growing interest from several technology providers, especially those with capabilities in genome editing and gene transfer, which have developed innovative platforms for engineering of T-cells.