SFDA CEO Discusses Opportunities for Cooperation in Biotechnology and Advanced Therapies with Korean Companies

The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, held a roundtable meeting with executives and representatives from leading private-sector companies in Korea to discuss opportunities for cooperation in biotechnology and advanced therapies. The meeting took place on the sidelines of his participation in the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) Summit in Seoul, in the presence of Saudi Arabia’s Commercial Attaché, Mr. Saeed Almadani.

Dr. Aljadhey highlighted the SFDA’s efforts to advance its regulatory framework in line with scientific and technological developments, expedite the registration of treatments, and facilitate their availability to patients while ensuring compliance with quality, efficacy, and safety standards. He showcased notable initiatives, including the “NADR” pathway, designed to accelerate the introduction of medicines for rare diseases, alongside newly introduced regulatory pathways for advanced therapies that support the introduction of innovative treatments in the Kingdom.

Dr. Aljadhey emphasized that the National Biotechnology Strategy supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading global hub in this field, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. He also underscored the role of the Riyadh Biocentral Foundation in enabling research and innovation, fostering integration between research entities and the public and private sectors, and building partnerships with specialized international centers and companies.

Discussions during the meeting explored opportunities to exchange scientific and regulatory expertise and leverage the research and technical capabilities of both sides. These efforts aim to support innovation in biotechnology and strengthen communication between the SFDA and Korean companies regarding regulatory requirements and pathways for registering advanced therapies.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Dr. Aljadhey toured a Korean research institution specializing in CAR T-cell therapy. He reviewed its key research projects and the technologies used in developing these advanced therapies, while exploring potential avenues for exchanging expertise in scientific and regulatory areas of mutual interest.