KFSHRC Leads Region in Clinical Trials and Gene Therapy

In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda to become a global leader in biotechnology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) emerged as the nation’s leading force in clinical trials in 2024. The hospital was responsible for more than half, 52.4%, of all ongoing clinical trials across the country, as reported by the Saudi National Institute of Health, firmly cementing its place at the forefront of medical research.

This achievement is a testament to the success of KFSHRC’s Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative, first introduced in 2021. The initiative was designed to foster a cohesive, patient-focused research environment. By the end of 2024, the hospital oversaw 701 active research proposals, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. The Riyadh campus in particular saw a 20% surge in research approvals, reflecting a growing synergy between laboratory research and patient care.

Breakthroughs in Advanced Therapies

Alongside research expansion, KFSHRC achieved significant innovation milestones. In 2024, it became the first institution in Saudi Arabia to manufacture CAR-T cells domestically, a major leap toward the country’s independence in cutting-edge treatments. The hospital also introduced a transformative gene therapy for haemophilia, enabling eight patients to regain natural clotting ability through a one-time treatment, thereby eliminating the need for continuous preventive care and vastly improving their quality of life.

Advancing Vision 2030 and the National Biotech Strategy

These scientific strides are tightly aligned with the Kingdom’s broader biotechnology ambitions. Both Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy emphasize the development of homegrown therapeutic capabilities, the acceleration of medical innovation, and the establishment of Saudi Arabia as a global biotech leader by 2040. KFSHRC’s contributions are not just milestones - they are central to realizing these national objectives.

Bridging Science and Society

KFSHRC’s impact isn’t limited to laboratories and clinics. The hospital has taken meaningful steps to foster public understanding and acceptance of clinical trials. Through outreach campaigns in busy public spaces, it is working to demystify the research process, raise awareness, and encourage wider community participation in scientific advancement.

Global Recognition and Regional Leadership

Reflecting its sustained excellence, KFSHRC was once again named the top-ranked Academic Medical Centre in the Middle East and Africa, and ranked 15th globally in the 2025 list of the world’s 250 leading Academic Medical Centres. It was also recognized by Brand Finance as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. Additionally, the hospital earned a place on Newsweek’s prestigious list of the World’s Best Smart Hospitals for 2025.