SFDA CEO Explores Global Best Practices in Advanced Therapies in the United States

Hisham S. Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), conducted a series of site visits to specialized medical and research centers in the United States to explore the latest global advancements in advanced therapies and biotechnology.

The visits reflect the authority’s efforts to strengthen regulatory readiness and stay aligned with rapid developments in healthcare innovation and medical technologies.

Exploring Advanced Biotech and Medical Innovations

The visits took place on the sidelines of Dr. Aljadhey’s participation in the annual meeting of the Drug Information Association held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from June 14 to 18.

The itinerary included visits to:

• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Cellular and gene therapy research facilities at the University of Pennsylvania

During the visits, Dr. Aljadhey reviewed cutting-edge practices and research in advanced therapeutic development and manufacturing.

Focus on CAR-T and Gene Editing Therapies

Discussions focused on several advanced therapeutic technologies, including:

• CAR-T cell therapies
• Gene-editing technologies
• Reprogrammed cellular therapies

Experts also discussed expanding the use of these therapies to treat:

• Cancer
• Genetic disorders
• Immune-related diseases

The sessions also covered regulatory and manufacturing frameworks for advanced therapeutic products.

Strengthening Regulatory Readiness

Through these visits, the SFDA aims to benefit from international expertise in evaluating and regulating innovative therapeutic products.

These efforts are designed to enhance the authority’s regulatory framework and ensure it remains responsive to the latest scientific and technological developments.

Supporting Vision 2030 Goals

The visits reflect SFDA’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy.

They also strengthen cooperation with leading global research institutions, support healthcare innovation, and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional hub for health sciences and advanced medical technologies.