Cardiff company targets US expansion following record-breaking sales growth

Cardiff-based cell orchestration company, TrakCel, is set to see a multi-million-dollar boost to its turnover after acquiring a string of new clients in the US off the back of growing demand for its products in the region.

Over the last 12 months, TrakCel, a leading provider of digital supply chain tracking and management solutions for the cell and gene therapies sector, has secured contracts with four US-based biopharmaceutical companies, generating millions of dollars in new revenue.

The deals are for commercially approved cell and gene therapies for conditions like Sickle Cell, B- Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Metastatic Synovial Sarcoma and Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa.

Following the deal, 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.

The company’s primary success builds on a consistent upward trajectory of sales to America, with exports to the US having increased from 65% to 84% of its trade over the past five years. This growth has led to the firm opening a base in the US to provide localised sales and operational support.

The region now accounts for the vast majority of TrakCel’s global sales, which span 11 countries across North America, Europe, and Australia, with over 2,000 users across more than 250 authorised treatment centres (ATCs).

TrakCel aims to target further US expansion as it continues to support the rapidly evolving and fast paced industry, with plans to increase exports to the market by 10% over the next 12 months. 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.

Established in 2012, TrakCel offers digital software to stakeholders within the cell and gene therapy supply chain to enable them to manage, control, and track the progress of samples obtained for clinical trials and commercial therapies. Its tracking software, OCELLOS, is predominantly used to facilitate the treatment of life-saving cell and gene therapies within areas such as oncology and autoimmune disorders.

“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,” said Fiona Withey, CEO at TrakCel.

“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.”

TrakCel’s export success has been supported by the Welsh Government, which has provided funding for market visits to the region 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.

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 the market leader in the global cell and gene therapy supply sector, thanks in no small part to the support we’ve received from the Welsh Government.

“To grow our presence in the US, it was important for us to visit the US to meet and speak directly with prospective clients, showcase just how TrakCel could help them and build trusted, long-term relationships.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “TrakCel is an excellent example of a Welsh company producing world-leading innovation and succeeding internationally. I am pleased that our export support programmes are making a real difference to companies like TrakCel, and I look forward to seeing them continue to go from strength to strength.”

Looking ahead, TrakCel aims to build on its export success to drive expansion into the Japanese and Singaporean markets.

Fiona added: “The cell and gene therapy sectors are experiencing rapid growth in Asia so it’s 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.”