A practical approach for adoption of a hub and spoke model for cell and gene therapies in low- and middle-income countries: framework and case studies.
Shadi Saleh, Omar Dabbous, Sean D Sullivan, Dipen Ankleshwaria, Daiane Trombini, Mondher Toumi, Mahmoud Diaa, Anish Patel, Burcu Kazazoglu Taylor, Sean Tunis
Author Information
Shadi Saleh: American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. ss117@aub.edu.lb. ORCID
Omar Dabbous: Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., Bannockburn, IL, USA.
Sean D Sullivan: CHOICE Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Dipen Ankleshwaria: Novartis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Daiane Trombini: Novartis, Miami, FL, USA.
Mondher Toumi: Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.
Mahmoud Diaa: Novartis, Singapore, Singapore.
Anish Patel: Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., Bannockburn, IL, USA.
Burcu Kazazoglu Taylor: Novartis Gene Therapies, Washington, DC, USA.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of biotechnologies, cell and gene therapies are being developed and adopted at an unprecedented pace. However, their access and adoption remain limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to address this critical gap by exploring the potential of applying a hub and spoke model for cell and gene therapy delivery in LMICs. We establish the identity and roles of relevant stakeholders, propose a hub and spoke model for cell and gene therapy delivery, and simulate its application in Brazil and the Middle East and North Africa. The development and simulation of this model were informed by a comprehensive review of academic articles, grey literature, relevant websites, and publicly available data sets. The proposed hub and spoke model is expected to expand availability of and access to cell and gene therapy in LMICs and presents a comprehensive framework for the roles of core stakeholders, laying the groundwork for more equitable access to these lifesaving therapies. More research is needed to explore the practical adoption and implications of this model.
