KFSHRC Leads In Gene Therapy With Local Production Of T-Cells And Plans For Annual Scaling

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has solidified its role in Saudi Arabia's healthcare research through significant advancements. These include the local production of chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) and the initiation of the first national clinical trial for advanced gene therapy. This trial successfully treated a patient with refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia using locally manufactured CAR-T cells, marking a significant achievement in gene and cell-based therapies within the Kingdom.

The local production of CAR-T therapy has notably decreased treatment expenses from SAR1.3 million to approximately SAR250,000 per patient. Additionally, manufacturing time has been reduced from 28 days to just 12 to 14 days. Previously, these therapies were produced abroad, leading to logistical issues with shipping and storage that delayed patient access. Now, Saudi patients can receive timely, life-saving treatments within their own country.

CAR-T therapy is among the most sophisticated forms of gene-directed cancer treatment. It is designed for patients who do not respond to conventional therapies like leukemia and lymphoma. By boosting the immune system's ability to identify and destroy cancer cells, it offers renewed hope for those facing challenging cancer types.

Expanding Production Capacity

KFSHRC is working on increasing its production capacity with a target of 100 gene therapy treatments annually. This goal aligns with the National Biotechnology Strategy launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud earlier this year. The strategy aims to enhance national health, improve quality of life, localize biotechnological industries, and maximize economic impact, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in life sciences innovation by 2040.

Showcasing Medical Innovations

At the Global Health Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, KFSHRC will display its medical innovations at its pavilion. These include the T-cell therapy program, robotic surgeries, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and various transplant surgeries such as epilepsy, liver, and small intestine transplants.

Recognition and Achievements

KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally among the world's top 250 academic medical centers for 2025. It has also been recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance 2024. Furthermore, Newsweek magazine listed it among the World's Best Smart Hospitals for 2025.

The clinical trial was conducted at KFSHRC’s advanced manufacturing facility in Riyadh using closed-system technology for precision and quality assurance. Supervised by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), this development places Saudi Arabia among a select group of countries capable of producing and clinically testing gene therapies within an integrated national research environment.

Through these achievements, KFSHRC continues to reinforce its position as a leader in healthcare research and development in Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA