McKesson's 2026 Report Highlights Growing but Fragmented Cell and Gene Therapy Market
Event summary
- McKesson's InspiroGene published its 2026 Cell and Gene Therapy Report, analyzing provider, payer, and patient data across oncology, rheumatology, and ophthalmology.
- Oncology adoption of CGTs has doubled since 2024, but access barriers like out-of-pocket costs and coverage delays persist.
- Rheumatologists and ophthalmologists are optimistic about CGTs but demand stronger safety and efficacy data before widespread adoption.
- Payers are standardizing cell therapy reimbursement faster than gene therapy due to higher volumes and lower cost scrutiny.
- AI is seen as a potential tool to streamline patient referrals and reimbursement, but legacy infrastructure remains a hurdle.
The big picture
McKesson's report underscores the rapid scientific progress in cell and gene therapies, but highlights persistent commercialization challenges. The industry is at a crossroads where technological advancements must align with systemic changes in care delivery, reimbursement, and patient access. The report signals a growing need for coordinated solutions to bridge the gap between breakthrough science and real-world patient outcomes.
What we're watching
- Adoption Dynamics
- How the pace of CGT adoption in rheumatology and ophthalmology will affect market growth.
- Reimbursement Evolution
- Whether payers can sustain the shift toward contracted case rates for gene therapies.
- AI Integration
- The extent to which AI can overcome legacy infrastructure barriers in CGT delivery.
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