King Abdullah International Medical Research Center and Flagship Pioneering Forge Partnership for Clinical Trials in Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), the largest medical research institution in Saudi Arabia, has teamed up with Flagship Pioneering, a leading scientific innovation engine based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to conduct clinical trials of novel medicines in the Kingdom. This collaboration aims to advance transformative new medicines on a global scale by marrying American innovation with advanced clinical trial infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The partnership was announced during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington, D.C.

Under the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), KAIMRC and Flagship plan to create a comprehensive framework for clinical development to facilitate early-phase trials in Saudi Arabia for several novel medicines originating from Flagship-founded companies. This collaboration will grant Flagship and its affiliates access to top-tier facilities at KAIMRC, the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), which include advanced patient care units and clinical laboratories.

The initial focus of the partnership will be on three Phase 1 programs and one Phase 2 program targeting genetic diseases, with potential expansion to additional programs in the future. The studies are expected to enable global Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for medicines aimed at addressing multiple genetic diseases with significant unmet medical needs, particularly those relevant to patients in Saudi Arabia, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches.

Investors from Saudi Arabia are set to provide an initial investment of $70 million (approximately SAR 262.5 million) to the participating U.S.-based companies. "It is with great optimism that we announce our strategic collaboration with Flagship Pioneering," stated H.E. Dr. Bandar AlKnawy, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs and President of King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. "This partnership marks a significant milestone in our ambition to establish Saudi Arabia as a leader in innovative clinical trials and Biotech Hub. By leveraging the robust ecosystem at the MNGHA, KAIMRC, and KSAU-HS, we aim to attract premier clinical research that will not only elevate our healthcare capabilities but also propel our national biotechnology strategy forward. This collaboration represents our unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant research environment, driving impactful healthcare solutions, and reinforcing our role in the global health landscape, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for all."

"By combining the pioneering science of Flagship and our companies with KAIMRC's state-of-the-art facilities and resources, we have a clear opportunity to advance American innovation at home and abroad and expand global access to transformative medicines," said Noubar Afeyan, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering. "This collaboration will allow Flagship to extend the clinical development capabilities of our companies into Saudi Arabia and continue our work to drive breakthrough innovations for the benefit of patients on a global scale."