KFSHRC Advances Local CAR-T Therapy Production to Strengthen Saudi Arabia’s Cell and Gene Treatment Capabilities
The hospital began local manufacturing of genetically modified T cells in 2024 and has since improved its efficiency and scope. The process, which previously took up to 28 days when imported from abroad, now takes around 14 days at KFSHRC’s dedicated facility. The localized production also reduces the cost of therapy from about $350,000 to $65,000 per patient, enabling timely treatment while maintaining cell viability and quality.
KFSHRC recently treated its first patient using locally produced CAR-T cells as part of a Phase I clinical trial for refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia, marking a key milestone in the development of advanced therapies within the Kingdom. The case is part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to expand the use of personalized and immune-based cancer treatments.
The Cell Therapy and Immunobiology Department at KFSHRC oversees research, production, and clinical application of cell-based treatments. Its multidisciplinary teams integrate biotechnology, clinical research, and immunology to support the broader goal of developing self-sufficient medical capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
Through its participation in the Global Health Exhibition 2025, scheduled for October 27 to 29 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, KFSHRC will showcase its latest advances, including T-cell therapy, robotic surgery techniques, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and its multi-organ transplant portfolio.
KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year and has been recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings. It was included in the world's best 250 hospitals and in the World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine.
Riyadh
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
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