KFSHRC Establishes Global Leadership In Advanced Cell And Gene Therapies With In-House CAR-T Production

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has solidified its position as a leader in advanced medical technologies. It has achieved this by successfully developing and using CAR-T therapy within its facilities. This accomplishment places KFSHRC among a select group of global centres that are shaping the future of precision medicine.

Since 2020, KFSHRC has treated over 200 patients with CAR-T therapies produced abroad. Now, it is the first institution in Saudi Arabia to both produce and administer an in-house CAR-T product under a Phase I clinical trial. This advancement marks a significant milestone for the Kingdom in gene and cell therapies.

The hospital's local manufacturing platform for CAR-T therapy significantly reduces costs, cutting them to just 20% of commercial CAR-T prices. It also eliminates logistical delays associated with overseas production, ensuring faster access to potentially life-saving treatments for patients.

KFSHRC recently administered the first dose of locally manufactured Lentigen CD19 CAR-T therapy. This was given to a patient participating in a Phase I clinical trial for Relapsed or Refractory B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (R/R B-ALL). This development represents a breakthrough moment for advanced gene and cell therapies in Saudi Arabia.

KFSHRC will highlight its pioneering role in cell and gene therapies at the C3 Davos of Healthcare™ New York Summit. The event, titled 'Healthcare Disrupted – The Future of AI, Data & Precision Medicine,' will be held at the Union League Club in New York City. It offers a global platform for KFSHRC to showcase how its local CAR-T manufacturing capabilities are transforming access, reducing costs, and advancing international care standards.

By establishing local biomanufacturing capabilities, KFSHRC supports Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy. This ensures that patients in Saudi Arabia and beyond can benefit early from next-generation therapies while reinforcing KFSHRC's role as a global reference centre for healthcare innovation.

With inputs from SPA