2024-09-18 01:01:39
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) is leading Saudi Arabia’s drive to become a global biotechnology powerhouse with pioneering advancements in genomics, biomanufacturing and sustainable healthcare practices.
A significant achievement for KFSHRC is the localization of CAR T-cell production, becoming the first in Saudi Arabia to produce these therapeutic cells in-house, reducing treatment costs by 80% and accelerating access to life-saving therapies. The hospital’s Genomics Center is a leader in precision medicine, using advanced genetic analysis to develop personalized treatments, while the Oncology Center uses these genomic insights to establish standards for cancer treatment. KFSHRC researchers have developed the first genetically modified mice in the Kingdom using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, marking another significant advancement in biomedical research.
KFSHRC is central to Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology ecosystem, leveraging the Kingdom’s strategic geographic location between Europe, Asia and Africa. In collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), KFSHRC helped establish the National Biotechnology Center to transform scientific discoveries into viable industries.
Dr. Edward Cupler, KFSHRC’s Chief Research and Innovation Officer, said at the C3 Summit, the Davos of Healthcare, New York, “Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a biotechnology powerhouse is well within reach, driven by KFSHRC’s pioneering innovations in CAR T-cell therapy, genomics and AI.”
To support this growth, KFSHRC has developed comprehensive education and training programs in genomics, regenerative medicine, and bioinformatics to build local expertise, reduce import dependency, and promote self-sufficiency in biotechnology. These efforts also include ensuring a skilled workforce that attracts talent from around the world, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a rising leader in biotechnology.
Taking advantage of these favorable conditions, the KFSHRC is at the forefront of transforming the National Biotechnology Strategy into reality.
It is worth mentioning that King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre was ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th worldwide in the list of the Top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year and was recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East according to the Brand Finance 2024 ranking. In addition, in the same year, it was ranked among the top 250 hospitals in the world by the prestigious Newsweek magazine.
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What are the key achievements of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology sector?
Table of Contents
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Pursuit of Biotechnology Supremacy
In a significant development, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) is spearheading Saudi Arabia’s mission to become a global biotechnology powerhouse. The hospital’s pioneering achievements in genomics, biomanufacturing, and sustainable healthcare practices are paving the way for the kingdom to emerge as a leader in the field.
Localizing CAR T-Cell Production: A Major Milestone
KFSH&RC has taken a significant leap forward by localizing CAR T-cell production, becoming the first hospital in Saudi Arabia to produce these therapeutic cells in-house. This breakthrough has resulted in an 80% reduction in treatment costs, accelerating access to lifesaving therapies for patients. The hospital’s Genomics Center is also leading the way in precision medicine, using advanced genetic analysis to develop personalized treatments. Moreover, the Oncology Center is utilizing genomic insights to establish standards for cancer treatment.
CRISPR-Cas9 Gene-Editing Technology: A First in the Kingdom
Researchers at KFSH&RC have successfully developed the first genetically modified mice in Saudi Arabia using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. This achievement marks a significant advancement in biomedical research and further solidifies the hospital’s position as a leader in the field.
Central to Saudi Arabia’s Biotechnology Ecosystem
KFSH&RC is at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology ecosystem, leveraging the kingdom’s strategic geographic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa. In collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the hospital has played a key role in establishing the National Biotechnology Center, aimed at transforming scientific discoveries into viable industries.
Education and Training Programs: Building Local Expertise
To support the growth of Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology industry, KFSH&RC has developed comprehensive education and training programs in genomics, regenerative medicine, and bioinformatics. These initiatives aim to build local expertise, reduce import dependency, and promote self-sufficiency in biotechnology. The programs also focus on attracting talent from around the world, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a rising leader in biotechnology.
Rankings and Recognition
KFSH&RC has received numerous accolades, including being ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th worldwide among the Top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year. The hospital was also recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East according to the Brand Finance 2024 ranking. Additionally, it was ranked among the top 250 hospitals in the world by the prestigious Newsweek magazine.
Transforming the National Biotechnology Strategy
With its pioneering innovations and achievements, KFSH&RC is at the forefront of transforming Saudi Arabia’s National Biotechnology Strategy into reality. The hospital’s commitment to advancing biotechnology and promoting sustainable healthcare practices is set to propel the kingdom towards becoming a global leader in the field.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious pursuit of biotechnology supremacy is being driven by institutions like KFSH&RC, which are pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence. As the kingdom continues to invest in biotechnology research
What role does King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre play in Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology development?
Saudi Arabia on the Path to Becoming a Global Biotechnology Powerhouse
Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a leader in the biotechnology sector, thanks to the pioneering efforts of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC). The hospital’s cutting-edge research and innovations in genomics, biomanufacturing, and sustainable healthcare practices are transforming the country’s biotechnology ecosystem.
Localizing CAR T-Cell Production
One of KFSH&RC’s significant achievements is the localization of CAR T-cell production, making it the first hospital in Saudi Arabia to produce these therapeutic cells in-house. This breakthrough reduces treatment costs by 80% and accelerates access to life-saving therapies. The hospital’s Genomics Center is a leader in precision medicine, using advanced genetic analysis to develop personalized treatments, while the Oncology Center uses these genomic insights to establish standards for cancer treatment.
Biomedical Research Advancements
KFSHRC researchers have achieved another milestone by developing the first genetically modified mice in the Kingdom using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. This marks a significant advancement in biomedical research and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a biotechnology powerhouse.
National Biotechnology Center
KFSHRC is central to Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology ecosystem, leveraging the Kingdom’s strategic geographic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa. In collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), KFSHRC helped establish the National Biotechnology Center to transform scientific discoveries into viable industries.
Comprehensive Education and Training Programs
To support the growth of the biotechnology sector, KFSHRC has developed comprehensive education and training programs in genomics, regenerative medicine, and bioinformatics. These initiatives aim to build local expertise, reduce import dependency, and promote self-sufficiency in biotechnology. The programs also focus on attracting talent from around the world, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a rising leader in biotechnology.
Rankings and Recognitions
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre has been recognized for its excellence in healthcare and research. It was ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th worldwide in the list of the Top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year. Additionally, it was recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East according to the Brand Finance 2024 ranking.
Transforming the National Biotechnology Strategy
KFSHRC is at the forefront of transforming the National Biotechnology Strategy into reality, capitalizing on the country’s favorable conditions to drive growth and innovation in the sector.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a biotechnology powerhouse is rapidly taking shape, driven by KFSHRC’s pioneering innovations in CAR T-cell therapy, genomics, and AI. As the country continues to invest in biotechnology, it is poised to emerge as a global leader in the sector, creating new opportunities for economic growth,