Saudi Space Agency Honors KFSHRC For Groundbreaking Space Medicine Research

The CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, Dr. Mohammed Altamimi, honoured King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) for its significant participation in conducting four cell biology research experiments in space. This was part of the mission involving Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Alqarni to the International Space Station (ISS). The ceremony, hosted by the Saudi Space Agency, commemorated the first anniversary of the "Saudi Towards Space" mission and was attended by several senior officials.

KFSHRC conducted four research experiments on the ISS. These included testing the immune cell response to inflammation in space, monitoring the activity of thousands of genes in inflamed immune cells over time, observing changes in mRNA lifespan between space and Earth, and simulating the inflammatory response to drug treatment using an immune cell model.

Dr. Khalid Abu Khabar, lead researcher and Molecular Biomedicine Chairman at KFSHRC, expressed pride in this scientific achievement. He highlighted that such an honour serves as motivation to continue working diligently to deliver innovative and advanced research that strengthens the Kingdom's position in space medicine research.

Dr. Abu Khabar emphasized that the drug evaluation platform in microgravity used in the four research experiments is a unique innovation. Efforts are underway to secure patents in multiple countries. This platform has the potential to address various human diseases in both space and terrestrial environments, including autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammatory conditions, microbial infections, muscle and heart diseases, and certain neurological conditions.

Dr. Wijdan Alahmadi underscored that these research experiments are part of advancements in space medicine. They necessitate studying human health in space and gaining detailed insights into how the human body responds to extraterrestrial variables.

KFSHRC's Global Recognition

KFSHRC has retained its status as the leading institution in the Kingdom for the second year running. It ranks 20th globally among the top 250 academic medical centres worldwide. It is also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East in 2024, according to Brand Finance. Additionally, it has been ranked among the world's top 250 hospitals by Newsweek Magazine.

The recognition of KFSHRC's contributions marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia's advancements in space medicine research. The institution's efforts continue to pave new paths for understanding human health both on Earth and beyond.

With inputs from SPA