KFSHRC Launches First Facility for Gene and Cell Therapy Manufacturing in the Kingdom

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) said in a press release today that it will open Saudi Arabia’s first facility for manufacturing genetic and cellular therapies, a project designed to give thousands of patients access to advanced treatments at home, reduce the cost of care by an estimated SAR8 billion by 2030, and meet roughly nine percent of the nation’s demand for such therapies.
 Spanning 5,000 square meters on the hospital campus in Riyadh, the new facility is set to commence operations in late 2025 and produce cutting-edge immunotherapies based on T cells, stem cells, and viral vector technologies. Plans are underway to expand capabilities to include gene editing and the production of liver and pancreatic islet cells for the treatment of complex genetic and immune diseases. By 2030, the facility aims to deliver around 2,400 treatment doses per year.
 The facility, the release added, will operate under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, the global framework that governs pharmaceutical production. Each process, from air filtration to batch testing, will be monitored to ensure sterility, safety, and consistency. AI systems will manage quality control, while the modular layout enables rapid future scaling.
 The project represents a significant milestone in the development of biopharmaceutical industries in the Kingdom, enhancing capabilities in medical research and innovation, and opening new opportunities for national talent to contribute to the production of future therapies.
 KFSHRC is rapidly expanding its production capacity to deliver 100 gene therapies annually. This initiative aligns with the National Biotechnology Strategy, launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This strategy aims to enhance national health, improve quality of life, localize biopharmaceutical industries, and maximize their economic impact, with the ultimate goal of positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for life sciences innovation by 2040.
 At this year’s Global Health Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, the hospital is showcasing the new manufacturing complex alongside its advances in robotic surgery, genetic diagnostics, and augmented-reality medical training. The presentation highlights how the country’s flagship hospital is aligning with broader national efforts to shift from healthcare consumption to healthcare creation.
 KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and fifteenth globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers for 2025. It was also recognized by Brand Finance 2025 as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Middle East and listed in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025, Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and Best Specialized Hospitals 2026, reaffirming its position as a global leader in innovation-driven patient care.