KFSHRC Produces First Therapeutic T-Cells In Kingdom, Slashing Treatment Costs By 80%

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has reached a significant milestone in cancer treatment by successfully producing CAR T-cells internally. This development has reduced the cost of treatment from SAR1.3 million to around SAR250,000 per treatment, making it available to patients within 14 days. The achievement was announced during the opening of the Advanced Therapies Forum this morning.

The forum aims to increase clinical trials in T-cell and gene therapy, providing patients in the Kingdom with access to these novel treatments. It also offers industrial partners the opportunity to explore clinical research initiatives at KFSHRC. Previously, the production period ranged from 21 to 28 days due to manufacturing outside the Kingdom, which subjected the process to logistical challenges and supply chain disruptions.

These disruptions included cryopreservation, shipping to external manufacturing centres, and subsequent re-shipping back to the hospital. Such delays often resulted in prolonged patient suffering. The internal production of CAR T-cells overcomes these challenges, alleviating patient suffering by providing timely treatment and supporting national efforts to localise biotechnological industries.

The achievement was made possible through collaboration between different hospital departments. KFSHRC has an internal T-cell manufacturing centre equipped with advanced bioreactors and cell processing units, adhering to strict regulatory standards to ensure the quality and safety of therapeutic products. Comprehensive staff training programs on T-cell manufacturing principles and techniques preceded this development.

In the current phase, the internally produced T-cells will be offered to patients as part of a clinical trial at KFSHRC. T-cell therapy is one of the latest developments in cancer treatment. It involves modifying a patient's immune cells to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The cells are extracted from the patient's blood, genetically modified in manufacturing centres, and then re-injected into the patient's body to target and destroy cancer cells.

"This achievement is part of KFSHRC's strategy to develop advanced therapies and increase clinical research opportunities," the release read. "It ensures the delivery of the best possible healthcare for all patients, in line with the hospital's commitment to enhancing healthcare quality driven by innovation and excellence."

The successful internal production of CAR T-cells marks a significant advancement for KFSHRC, reducing costs and improving accessibility for patients. This initiative aligns with national efforts to localise biotechnological industries and enhance healthcare quality through innovative treatments.

With inputs from SPA