“If it wasn’t for this treatment, I very likely would not be here today. Instead, it has given me a second chance at life — a chance to be a husband, a father, and to look toward the future with optimism.”

Brad Watts is Advocate & Vice President, Business Development Executive at Conner Strong & Buckelew, and a prior recipient of CAR-T therapy (Kymriah). Diagnosed with NHL (DLBCL and FL) in 2018 and treated in 2020, that experience turned him into a dedicated advocate for patients and for the CGT field at large. Within Act for Hope, he serves as the patient’s voice, championing earlier access to life-saving therapies.

What’s your affiliation with the cell & gene therapy (CGT) field?

I have multiple affiliations with the CGT field. First and foremost, I am a prior recipient of CAR-T therapy (Kymriah) in 2020.  I first learned of CAR-T in 2018 after my diagnosis with NHL DLBCL and FL and wanted to receive it as early as possible.  After my experience with CAR-T I turned into a staunch advocate for patients and the CGT industry.  Additionally, I professionally work with life sciences organizations, including those focused on advanced therapies, by helping design and implement effective risk management programs to protect organizations from uncovered risks and/or delays in clinical trials. 

What is your role within Act for Hope, and what motivated you to get involved?

My role is core to Act for Hope’s mission.  Ultimately a collaborative approach to transforming patient lives worldwide.  My role is to help provide the patient’s perspective and be the voice of patients who endured many failed treatments before accessing life-saving therapy – CAR-T.  In short, I was motivated to getting involved in the hope of making an impact on those patients who weren’t able to access this treatment, who are fighting to access treatment and for the future patients to have a smoother experience and gain access earlier in their treatment regimen.  If it wasn’t for this treatment, I very likely would not be here today. Instead it has given me a second chance at life, a chance to be a husband, a father, and to look toward the future with optimism.

What is one small but meaningful change you hope to see in the coming months?

I am a “numbers guy” and enjoy data.  I would love to see a shift in the % of patients who are eligible for CGT but cannot access it decline. Put simply, to see many forms of data indicating to facts that more patients are gaining access to these life-saving therapies.