August 2025
The gene therapy clinical trials market is rapidly advancing on a global scale, with expectations of accumulating hundreds of millions in revenue between 2025 and 2034. Market forecasts suggest robust development fueled by increased investments, innovation, and rising demand across various industries.
The gene therapy clinical trials market is primarily driven by the increasing need for personalized medicines and growing research and development activities. The rising prevalence of genetic and rare disorders potentiates the demand for gene therapy. Gove ment organizations support the development of gene therapy through several initiatives and funding. Prominent players collaborate to access advanced technologies and develop innovative products. Artificial intelligence (AI) streamlines the entire clinical trial process and aids in data analysis. The future is promising, with the advancements in genomic technologies.
The gene therapy clinical trials market covers sponsored studies that evaluate in vivo and ex vivo gene delivery to treat or prevent disease using viral vectors (AAV, lentivirus, adenovirus, HSV), non-viral platforms (plasmid DNA, lipid nanoparticles), genome editing (CRISPR/Cas, ZFN, TALEN), and cell-based gene therapies (e.g., CAR-T, engineered T/NK, HSC). It spans trial planning, site activation, vector and cell handling logistics, manufacturing for clinical supply, and data/biomarker operations. Growth is driven by expanding pipelines, maturing regulatory pathways, better vector engineering and manufacturing capacity, and strong investment in rare diseases, oncology, and ophthalmology.
Increasing Collaboration: Major players collaborate to access advanced technologies and expand their geographical presence. Companies use each others expertise to develop innovative products and accelerate time-to-market approval.
AI and machine lea ing (ML) algorithms can transform the complex clinical trial process by assisting in patient selection, real-time monitoring, and toxicity prediction. AI introduces automation in clinical trials, saving time and costs for healthcare professionals and sponsors. AI and ML can analyze vast amounts of data and predict potential outcomes of a particular gene therapy. They can help researchers in screening large numbers of candidates rapidly and select designs that fulfill the desired criteria, similar to their use in target identification. AI and ML enhance the efficiency and accuracy of clinical trials.
Demand for Gene Therapy
The major growth factor for the gene therapy clinical trials market is the growing demand for gene therapy. Gene therapy is widely preferred as it directly cures a disease from its root cause. The rising prevalence of cancer, neurological, genetic, and rare disorders increases the need for gene therapy. Unlike small molecules, gene therapy provides targeted treatment, which is beneficial to patients, resulting in fewer side effects. Regulatory agencies necessitate the conduct of clinical trials to assess a product safety and efficacy before market approval. As of 15th August 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved 46 cell and gene therapy products.
Lack of Access
The advanced gene therapy in clinical trials is generally inaccessible to people from rural areas. Rural areas lack skilled professionals with experience in executing gene therapy clinical trials and access to tools that can pre-emptively assess the risk to patients based on data.
What is the Future of the Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Market?
The market future is promising, driven by the advancements in genomic technologies. Innovative genomic techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, are widely adopted to revolutionize gene therapy development. The CRISPR-Cas9 technique offers specific modifications of target genes, resulting in high accuracy and efficiency. Prime editing and approaches involving CRISPR-Cas effectors present future opportunities for researchers as they are more versatile and efficient tools for manipulating genetic material. This technique offers unprecedented precision in genome editing. It guides Cas9 to the target DNA and provides the necessary template for the insertion, deletion, or conversion of specific DNA sequences.
By therapy modality, the in vivo gene therapy segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024. This is due to the high simplicity and efficiency of the in vivo process. The in vivo refers to the direct delivery of genetic material into the patient body through the parenteral route. The genetic material is transferred using a vector, aiding in its targeted delivery. Advancements in vector technology and cost-effectiveness potentiate the demand for in vivo gene therapy.
By therapy modality, the ex vivo gene therapy segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. Ex vivo gene therapy involves removing specific cells from a person, genetically altering them in a laboratory, and transplanting them back into the person. This technique enables researchers to develop gene therapy against a wide range of disorders as they can modify the genetic material based on a patient needs.
By vector/delivery platform, the AAV (adeno-associated virus) segment held the largest revenue share of the market in 2024. This segment dominated because AAV vectors are non-pathogenic and can be engineered to carry specific genes into target cells. These vectors do not cause any harm or illness to humans. They can directly target the cause of a disease and change the way a cell functions. AAV vectors are highly preferred as they are non-integrating, i.e., they do not insert their DNA into the cell genome. They can persist within a patient body even for a lifetime.
By vector/delivery platform, the genome editing segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years. Certain genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR, ZFN, TALEN, and AAV/LNP, facilitate gene delivery within patients. These techniques enable researchers to knock out faulty genes and insert correct genes. They provide targeted treatment to recognize specific DNA sequences. CRISPR-based genome-scale screening methods can overcome numerous technical hurdles associated with other contemporary screening technologies.
By therapeutic area, the oncology segment contributed the biggest revenue share of the market in 2024. This is due to the rising prevalence of cancer and the need for personalized treatment. Many tumors are caused by genetic mutations, which lead to abnormal cell growth. Gene therapy alters the genetic material of a patient that causes cancer, ultimately curing the cancer from its root cause. As of August 2025, 1,472 studies are registered related to gene therapy in cancer on the clinicaltrials.gov website.
By therapeutic area, the neurology/CNS segment is expected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years. Ongoing efforts are made to develop gene therapy for expanding applications, such as neurological disorders. Gove ment organizations encourage the general public to screen for and aid in the early diagnosis of neurological disorders. This creates a new wave for the therapeutic development of gene-targeted therapies, offering hope for modifying the natural course of the disease.
By clinical phase, the phase I/ I/II segment led the global market in 2024. This is due to the need to establish a new drug safety and dose range. Phase I clinical trials are conducted at a small scale, usually involving 20-100 healthy volunteers. If a treatment is found safe in a phase I clinical trial, a phase 2 clinical trial is conducted on a larger patient population. Phase II trials help to determine the effectiveness of a therapeutic.
By clinical phase, the Phase III & pivotal/confirmatory segment is expected to witness the fastest growth in the market over the forecast period. Phase III trials are conducted on a much larger scale, involving hundreds to thousands of patients, to assess a drug efficacy. Only 25-30% of drugs reach Phase III trials. The results of a Phase III trial are essential as regulatory agencies approve a product based on the efficacy and safety required to be approved and commercialized.
By route of administration, the intravenous/systemic segment accounted for the highest revenue share of the market in 2024. Gene therapy is commonly administered through the intravenous route, allowing it to circulate throughout the body and reach the target site. It is widely preferred due to its faster onset of action and high bioavailability. The demand for minimally invasive gene delivery and the need to avoid the complexities of direct injection into multiple tissues make the intravenous route a suitable choice.
By route of administration, the intrathecal/intracerebroventricular segment is expected to show the fastest growth over the forecast period. The intrathecal/intracerebroventricular route is generally used for patients with neurological disorders. This helps healthcare professionals to deliver the gene therapy directly into the CNS. This route provides targeted treatment and reduces systemic side effects.
North America dominated the global market share 46% in 2024. The presence of key players, the availability of a favorable clinical trial infrastructure, and increasing investments are the major growth factors of the market in North America. The region has an expanding manufacturing capacity, favoring commercial-scale manufacturing of gene therapy. Gove ment organizations launch initiatives to support clinical trials and the development of novel gene therapy products.
Key players, such as Pfizer, Inc., Biogen, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, are the major contributors to the market in the U.S. The American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) reported that 79 trials were initiated in Q1. About 12 start-ups collectively raised approximately $304.5 million in Q1 seed and Series A funding.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) provides funding for bringing rare disease gene therapies to clinical readiness as part of the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases. In 2023, it announced investments of up to $1.5 billion over three years. In August 2024, Ocugen, Inc. announced that Health Canada approved a “No Objection Certificate” to initiate the OCU400 Phase 3 clinical trial in Canada.
Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the gene therapy clinical trials market during the forecast period. The rapidly expanding clinical trial infrastructure and affordable services encourage foreign investors to conduct their clinical trials in Asia-Pacific countries, like China, Japan, and India. The increasing number of local sponsors and collaborations among key players fosters market growth. The growing research and development activities and the rising adoption of advanced technologies contribute to market growth.
As of August 2025, a total of 494 clinical trials were registered in China related to gene therapy. In December 2024, Bayer announced that it had entered into agreements with Epigenic Therapeutics (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Immunocan Biotech Co., Ltd., and AccurEdit Therapeutics Co., Ltd. as resident companies. This will enable the companies to access worldwide resources and expertise, accelerating breakthrough innovations in CGT.
In India, 24 clinical trials related to gene therapy are registered as of August 2025. Gove ment agencies promote the indigenous development of gene therapy through “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. In April 2024, the President of India launched India first home-grown gene therapy for cancer at IIT Bombay.
Researchers develop novel and innovative gene therapy products using advanced genomic technologies. They also develop novel delivery systems for ensuring targeted delivery.
Key Players: CRISPR Therapeutics, Intellia Therapeutics, and Allogene Therapeutics
Gene therapy clinical trials are conducted to assess its safety and efficacy in a large patient population, enabling regulatory agencies to approve a product for market authorization.
Key Players: Novartis AG, Capsida Biotherapeutics, Inc., and Expression Therapeutics LLC
Patient support & services in gene therapy clinical trials refer to providing comprehensive assistance to clinical trial participants by addressing several logistical and educational challenges.
Michael Culme-Seymour, Regional Vice President for APAC at Cencora, commented that the percentage of clinical trials in the APAC region is tremendously increasing, from 8% in 2013 to 29% in 2023. The company expands and strengthens its capabilities to meet the growing demand for premium specialty logistics services as more companies establish clinical trials. There are more than 650 cell and gene therapy (CGT) clinical trials underway in the region.
By Therapy Modality
By Vector/Delivery Platform
By Therapeutic Area
By Clinical Phase
By Route of Administration
By Region
August 2025
August 2025
August 2025
August 2025