KFSHRC Targets Production Of 100 Gene Therapies Annually To Enhance Cancer Treatment Access

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has made a significant advancement in cancer treatment by starting local production of CAR-T cells in Saudi Arabia. This initiative has reduced therapy costs by 80%, bringing the price down from SAR1.3 million per patient. KFSHRC plans to increase its production capacity to 100 gene therapies annually, making this cutting-edge treatment more accessible.

The CAR-T cell therapy is being highlighted at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh, where KFSHRC is a platinum sponsor. The exhibition showcases the hospital's pioneering work in producing CAR-T cells, which involves genetically modifying T cells to treat cancer. Visitors are informed about the rationale for local production, the manufacturing process, and successful treatment stories, including cases of resistant leukemia and lymphoma.

Previously, CAR-T cells had to be sent abroad for genetic modification, causing potential delays and extended patient suffering due to logistical challenges like supply-chain disruptions and cryogenic storage issues. By producing these cells locally, KFSHRC has overcome these hurdles, ensuring timely access to advanced therapies with high-quality standards.

The local manufacturing process enhances treatment quality through a semi-closed system that minimizes contamination risks. This approach makes the modified T-cells more effective in targeting cancer cells, thereby improving therapy precision. The process begins with extracting immune cells from a patient's blood sample, modifying them genetically in hospital labs to target cancer cells, and then re-injecting them into the patient to attack tumors effectively.

CAR-T cell therapy offers hope for patients with resistant cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, especially when traditional treatments have failed. By enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells, this therapy provides new possibilities for challenging cancer cases.

This achievement aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Biotechnology Strategy initiated by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The strategy aims to improve national wellbeing, enhance quality of life, localize biotech industries, and maximize economic opportunities. The goal is to lead biotech innovation in the Middle East and North Africa region by 2030 and position Saudi Arabia as a global biotech hub by 2024.

KFSHRC's Global Recognition

KFSHRC has been ranked first in MENA and 20th globally among the world's top 250 Academic Medical Centers for two consecutive years. It was also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East according to Brand Finance's 2024 rankings. Additionally, it was listed among the world's best 250 hospitals and included in Newsweek magazine's list of the World’s Best Smart Hospitals for 2025.

The local production of CAR-T cells not only ensures superior treatment quality but also opens avenues for further medical innovation and clinical trials within Saudi Arabia. This development is expected to significantly contribute to advancing healthcare standards in the Kingdom while supporting its vision of becoming a leader in biotechnology.

With inputs from SPA