CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey conducted a series of site visits to specialized medical and research centers in the US last week. The visits aimed to leverage global expertise in the latest technologies and developments within advanced therapies and biotechnology.
Visits Alongside DIA Annual Meeting
The visits took place on the sidelines of Dr. Aljadhey’s participation in the Drug Information Association (DIA) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, held from June 14-18. The SFDA stated that the itinerary featured visits to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the cellular and gene therapy research facilities at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine.
Focus on CAR-T and Gene Editing
Dr. Aljadhey was briefed on the latest practices and advanced trials for developing and manufacturing reprogramming therapies, with a focus on CAR-T cell therapies and gene-editing technologies. He engaged with researchers during specialized presentations that explored mechanisms for developing these therapies, expanding their applications, and identifying new therapeutic indications — particularly for treating oncology cases, genetic conditions, and immunological disorders.
Regulatory Oversight and Manufacturing
The discussions also detailed the regulatory oversight and manufacturing aspects related to developing advanced therapeutic products. These engagements are designed to enhance the SFDA’s proactive regulatory readiness, ensuring the authority keeps pace with rapid global advancements. By benefiting from international experiences in evaluating and regulating innovative therapeutic products, the SFDA aims to continuously improve the efficiency of its regulatory framework for therapeutic bioproducts.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
The visits also represent a direct extension of the SFDA’s commitment to driving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy. This is achieved by strengthening cooperation with leading global medical and research centers and staying abreast of the latest scientific advancements in biotechnology and advanced therapies. These efforts support healthcare innovation and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional hub for health sciences and advanced medical technologies.
