KFSHRC Achieves Milestone By Treating Over 200 Patients With CAR-T Therapy And Launching Local Production

Since 2020, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has treated over 200 patients with genetically modified T-cell therapy. This approach targets aggressive blood cancers that resist standard treatments. The hospital's expertise in advanced immunotherapy aligns with its mission to be a leader in precision-based healthcare.

KFSHRC recently achieved a significant milestone by treating its first patient with locally manufactured CAR-T cell therapy. This treatment is part of an initial clinical trial for acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients who are resistant to other treatments. The hospital's role in manufacturing and delivering this advanced therapy positions it as a regional leader.

The ability to provide CAR-T therapy highlights the progress of Saudi Arabia's biotechnology ecosystem. Delivering such treatment requires cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, expertise in genetic engineering, and adherence to stringent quality standards. KFSHRC integrates research, development, and clinical delivery under one roof, joining a select group of global leaders in precision medicine.

This achievement is being showcased at KFSHRC's pavilion during the Global Health Exhibition 2025 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center. The event attracts international and local healthcare leaders, policymakers, and specialists. The hospital uses this platform to display its range of advanced therapeutic capabilities, including gene and cell therapy, robotic surgery, embryonic genetic diagnosis, and organ transplantation.

CAR-T cell therapy is among the most innovative advances in cancer treatment today. It involves extracting immune cells from a patient's blood, modifying them genetically to target cancer cells, and reinfusing them into the patient. These engineered cells then actively seek out and destroy cancer cells once reintroduced into the body.

KFSHRC is expanding its gene therapy production capabilities to support Saudi Arabia's National Biotechnology Strategy. Spearheaded by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, this strategy aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in life sciences innovation while building a robust local biotechnology sector.

Recognition and Achievements

KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region and fifteenth globally among the world's top 250 academic medical centers for 2025. Brand Finance has recognized it as the region’s most valuable healthcare brand. Additionally, it is listed among Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025, Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and Best Specialized Hospitals 2026.

This milestone reflects KFSHRC's leadership in advancing Saudi Arabia's healthcare system. Transitioning from importing advanced therapies to producing them domestically strengthens Saudi Arabia's path toward therapeutic independence. It ensures patients have access to world-class specialized treatments within the Kingdom.

With inputs from SPA