Established in 2012, Cardiff-based TrakCel offers digital software to manage, control and track the progress of patient samples obtained for clinical trials and commercial therapies within the cell and gene therapy sector.
The company’s tracking software, OCELLOS, helps to facilitate life-saving cell and gene therapies used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including various cancers and autoimmune disorders, with its solutions allowing real-time monitoring for organisations within the supply chain.
TrakCel has developed a strong international reputation, becoming a global market leader within the sector. Today, the vast majority of its sales come from exports, spanning 11 countries across North America, Europe, and Australia, with over 2,800 users across more than 300 authorised treatment centres (ATCs).
Big success in US
The US is a key market for the company, with exports to the region accounting for 84% of its trade, having increased from 65% over the past five years. This growth has led to the firm developing a base in the US to provide localised sales and operational support.
Fiona Withey, CEO at TrakCel said: “Breaking into the US market was always a key part of our strategy from the outset given it is home to the world’s largest pharmaceutical industry.
“Today, the US not only accounts for the majority of our business but also continues to offer exciting growth opportunities as we expand our client base and deepen our presence on the ground.”
Most recently, the company has secured four new clients in America which has generated millions in revenue. Following these multi-million-dollar deals, TrakCel is now the largest independent provider of cell orchestration solutions to the cell and gene therapy sector in the world, supporting more than 20 therapies globally.
Welsh Government Support
TrakCel’s export success has been supported by the Welsh Government, which has provided funding for market visits to target regions, as well as delivered trade missions to the US. These initiatives have enabled TrakCel to attend key industry events, such as the Supply Chain and Logistics for Cell Therapies Summit and BIO International Convention in Boston and San Diego, enabling the company to network with potential clients and raise awareness of its pioneering technology.
Looking ahead, TrakCel aims to build on its export success to drive expansion into the Japanese and Singaporean markets, where the cell and gene therapy sectors are experiencing rapid growth.
As the company continues to grow, it also hopes to create additional high-value job opportunities at its headquarters in Cardiff to strengthen Wales’ life sciences industry.
Fiona added: “What started out as a company from Wales offering a first-of-its-kind cellular orchestration software product has grown into a trusted name and a market leader in the global cell and gene therapy supply sector. This is thanks in no small part to the support we’ve received from the Welsh Government.”
“Asia is definitely a market we are keen to tap into, particularly Japan and Singapore which are at the forefront of research in the field. We plan to achieve our ambitious expansion plans by making use of further Welsh Government support to attend trade missions in those markets and to conduct market research.”