Global Bibliometric Study Maps 35 Years of Cell and Gene Therapy Progress

A comprehensive bibliometric study conducted by researchers at Kyoto University in collaboration with Arthur D. Little Japan has provided one of the most detailed analyses to date of global trends in cell and gene therapy (CGT) research.

Analyzing more than 160,000 publications from 1989 to 2023 across PubMed and OpenAlex databases, the team evaluated both quantitative output and qualitative research impact to assess how different CGT modalities and regions have evolved over the past three decades.

Diverging Therapeutic Trajectories

The findings reveal uneven momentum across CGT domains:

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and ex vivo gene therapy demonstrate consistent growth and translational progress toward clinical adoption.

• Mesenchymal stem cell therapy and in vivo gene therapy show comparatively slower clinical traction despite sustained academic interest.

This divergence highlights varying degrees of regulatory readiness, manufacturing maturity, and clinical validation across modalities.

Geographic Disparities

The analysis also uncovered notable regional contrasts.

Japan contributes a substantial volume of cell therapy publications, reflecting strong regenerative medicine expertise. However, these studies tend to have more limited global citation impact compared with output from the United States and China.

The U.S. and China not only lead in publication volume but also generate a significant proportion of high-impact, widely cited research. Many of these influential studies arise from international collaborations—particularly strong networks between Europe and the United States.

Collaboration as a Driver of Impact

Lead investigator Sumimasa Nagai emphasized that cross-border research ecosystems play a pivotal role in advancing innovation. European–U.S. partnerships and intra-European academic networks serve as hubs for high-impact breakthroughs.

However, geopolitical shifts and research funding fluctuations—especially in the United States—could reshape global collaboration dynamics in the years ahead.

Strategic Implications

Beyond publication metrics, the researchers stress the importance of integrating patent data, regulatory landscapes, and investment trends to better understand CGT’s full innovation lifecycle.

The study provides a data-driven framework for policymakers, funding agencies, and research institutions seeking to:

• Optimize resource allocation

• Strengthen international collaboration

• Accelerate translation from bench to bedside

As emerging technologies—including CRISPR genome editing, advanced cell manufacturing, and AI-driven analytics—gain traction, the field stands at an inflection point. Sustained coordination and cross-border collaboration will be essential to transform CGT from promising science into a global standard of care.