Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a global biotechnology company, and the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA) today announced the renewal and expansion of their strategic partnership at the Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit (RGMBS). Building on a successful collaboration established following Saudi Arabia’s first gene therapy infusion in 2024, the renewed partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing patient care, strengthening clinical expertise, and supporting healthcare capability development in the Kingdom through ongoing knowledge exchange and innovation.
Since receiving Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) approval, this historic collaboration has successfully expanded access to this one-time functional cure and treated additional eligible SCD and TDT patients in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the renewed two-year partnership, MNGHA and Vertex announced plans for a third joint clinical Preceptorship program. Following the success of the first two Preceptorship programs, this upcoming educational forum aims to exchange scientific knowledge, share clinical protocols, and prepare the next generation of Saudi healthcare professionals to safely and effectively deliver innovative cell and gene therapies (CGTs). Beyond healthcare professional education, MNGHA and Vertex continue to collaborate on clinical research initiatives, including participation in clinical trials and real-world evidence generation. Together, these efforts advance key objectives of the landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2024 with the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA), and Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIMR), supporting both the development of local scientific talent and the advancement of clinical research capabilities in the Kingdom.
Commenting on the milestone, H.E. Dr. Bandar Al Knawy, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), stated: “Celebrating two years since the Kingdom’s historic first gene therapy infusion alongside the renewal of our partnership with Vertex is a profound milestone. This summit is the perfect stage to showcase how MNGHA, together with Vertex, is translating the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy into real-world patient impact. By renewing our partnership with Vertex, we are ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the global forefront of biotechnology, offering sustainable, long-term access to life-changing innovations.”
“Our partnership with MNGHA continues to evolve beyond treatment delivery to include clinical education, knowledge exchange, participation in clinical trials and real-world evidence generation in addition to initiatives that help strengthen local healthcare capabilities in Saudi Arabia. We look forward to deepening our collaboration through initiatives like the third edition of the Preceptorship, establishing the Kingdom as a leading hub for advanced treatments”, said Hisham Hagar, Executive Country Manager, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, GCC Region.
“Gene therapy is one of the most complex clinical pathways in modern medicine, requiring flawless collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams. The continued evolution of the Vertex-MNGHA collaboration has helped strengthen the multidisciplinary expertise required to safely and effectively deliver advanced gene therapies”, said Dr. Mohsen AlZahrani, Assistant Professor and Consultant of Hematology/ Stem Cell Transplant Consultant Section Head, Adult Stem Cell Transplant & Cellular Therapy Department of Oncology, at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh.
“Hereditary blood disorders impose an immense emotional, physical, and financial burden on young patients and their families. With gene therapy, we can offer more than just medical treatment; we can restore a normal childhood and lift a lifelong weight off the shoulders of families”, said Dr. Mohammed Essa, Deputy Chairman Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Section Head, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, King Abdullah Specialist Children Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh.
