KFSHRC Unveils Saudi Arabia's First Gene And Cell Therapy Manufacturing Facility

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has announced plans to establish Saudi Arabia's first facility for genetic and cellular therapy manufacturing. This initiative aims to provide advanced treatments locally, potentially reducing healthcare costs by SAR8 billion by 2030. The facility will address about nine percent of the country's demand for these therapies.

The new facility, covering 5,000 square meters on the Riyadh hospital campus, is expected to start operations in late 2025. It will produce immunotherapies using T cells, stem cells, and viral vector technologies. Future expansions include gene editing capabilities and producing liver and pancreatic islet cells for complex genetic and immune diseases.

By 2030, the facility aims to deliver approximately 2,400 treatment doses annually. It will adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, ensuring pharmaceutical production meets global safety and quality benchmarks. AI systems will oversee quality control, while a modular design allows for quick scaling.

This project marks a significant step in developing Saudi Arabia's biopharmaceutical industry. It enhances medical research capabilities and creates opportunities for local talent in future therapy production. KFSHRC plans to expand its capacity to deliver 100 gene therapies each year.

The initiative aligns with the National Biotechnology Strategy launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This strategy seeks to improve national health, localize biopharmaceutical industries, and position Saudi Arabia as a global life sciences hub by 2040.

Showcasing at Global Health Exhibition

KFSHRC will present the new manufacturing complex at the Global Health Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh. The exhibition will also feature advancements in robotic surgery, genetic diagnostics, and augmented-reality medical training. These efforts support national goals of transitioning from healthcare consumption to creation.

KFSHRC has achieved notable recognition globally. It ranks first in the Middle East and North Africa and fifteenth worldwide among top academic medical centers for 2025. Brand Finance named it the most valuable healthcare brand in the Middle East for 2025.

The hospital is also listed in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025, Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and Best Specialized Hospitals 2026. These accolades affirm its status as a leader in innovation-driven patient care.

With inputs from SPA