Washington: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) CEO Dr. Majid Al-Fayyad affirmed that the transformation underway in the Kingdom's healthcare sector, a core part of Vision 2030, is solidifying its position as a global model for resilient and innovation-driven healthcare systems. He made these remarks during his participation in the Future of Health Summit organized by the Milken Institute.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Fayyad stated that this transformation extends significantly to the fields of gene therapy and stem cells, noting that the Kingdom is taking bold steps to establish itself as a leading center for advanced biotherapies.
During a session on flexible innovation in gene-editing therapies, Al-Fayyad highlighted that the Kingdom's progress embodies its commitment to sustainable innovation and its readiness to lead the next generation of genomic medicine.
He revealed that the T-cell therapy developed locally by KFSHRC has proven effective in treating advanced cancer cases, coupled with an 80% cost reduction. This achievement underscores how local biomanufacturing can fundamentally transform access to and cost-effectiveness of treatments across the region.
These significant achievements are supported by a regulatory environment led by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, which has expedited clinical approval procedures and aligned them with international standards, allowing patients faster access to innovative treatments.
Al-Fayyad added that KFSHRC is leading nearly half of the active clinical trials in the Kingdom, effectively strengthening a national research system that translates scientific discoveries into tangible medical outcomes.
Looking ahead, KFSHRC is preparing to launch the first national biofabrication facility, projected to meet 9% of the national demand for gene and cell therapies and potentially save an estimated SAR8 billion by 2030. This initiative is a strategic investment in localizing medical technologies, building infrastructure that supports global partnerships, and driving the advancement of biotechnology and precision medicine.