Darren Blamire and Diana Hernandez to lead BIA’s Cell and Gene Therapy Advisory Committee
The BioIndustry Association (BIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Blamire, Managing Director UK&I at Autolus, and Diana Hernandez, Director of Immune and Advanced Therapies at Anthony Nolan, as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of its Cell and Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (CGTAC).
CGTAC works to highlight the value of cell and gene therapies to patients and the wider UK economy and to promote the UK’s global role in delivering these transformative treatments and the innovative science behind them.
The committee brings together a large proportion of the UK’s regenerative medicine industry, including biotechs, pharma, service providers, law firms and venture funds, as well as key organisations including the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and Innovate UK.
Darren Blamire is a senior pharmaceutical executive with over two decades of global leadership experience across Autolus, Roche and Abbott. As Managing Director at Autolus UK & Ireland, he leads the affiliate in delivering on their next generation CAR T-cell therapy. His career spans leadership in Europe, the UK, and the US, as well as country management in East Africa and senior leadership roles in South Africa - delivering access, growth, and impact across diverse healthcare systems.
Commenting on his appointment, Darren said:
The cell and gene therapy landscape is at a pivotal moment - one that presents both significant challenges and extraordinary opportunities. As Chair of the BIA’s Cell and Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (CGTAC), I firmly believe we have a crucial role to play in shaping the next decade of innovation, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of this transformative field and that patients have timely access to life-changing therapies.
At Autolus, a UK-born company, we are proud to be developing innovative therapies with the potential to dramatically improve the lives of people affected by cancer and autoimmune diseases. It is this mission that fuels my passion and brings a deep sense of purpose to my role as Chair.
Together with Diana Hernandez and the exceptional members of CGTAC, I look forward to leading the committee through this exciting chapter - one where we can help unlock the full potential of cell and gene therapies for patients across the UK.
Dr Diana Hernandez is a stem cell biologist with over 30 years’ experience in medical research, including 20+ years in cell therapy across academia (Imperial College London, UCL) and industry (Plasticell). As Director of Immune and Advanced therapies in Anthony Nolan, she also has advisory roles in AN’s cell, gene and laboratory services (CT&LS) and in the public and policy teams.
Commenting on her appointment, Diana said:
Cell and gene therapies have the potential to revolutionise the lives of thousands of patients with both acute and chronic conditions. Enormous progress has been made in recent years to develop these innovative treatments, and now we must work to ensure they reach the people who need them.
Anthony Nolan has 50 years of experience supporting and advocating for patients in need of cell therapies. I'm honoured to bring this expertise, as well as my experience from industry, to the BIA cell and gene therapy advisory committee (CGTAC). Together with its chair Darren Blamire, and fellow committee members, we will work to put patients first and support the innovation, collaboration and dedication needed to unlock these powerful treatments.
Thank you to the BIA for this opportunity. I’m excited to begin this important work.
Sven Kili and Helen Delahaye are stepping down as Chair and Vice Chair, having expertly led the committee since 2016 and 2019 respectively. The BIA thanks Sven and Helen for their hard work and effective leadership during a critical period for the growth of UK’s cell and gene therapy sector. Their efforts have been crucial in informing BIA policy work and driving forward initiatives across skills, patient access, translation and much more.