The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Dr Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey, affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s National Biotechnology Strategy places the Kingdom on track to become a global leader in biomanufacturing and medical innovation. The strategy prioritizes critical areas such as vaccines, biolocalization, genomics, and plant improvement.
Speaking at the fourth annual international conference of the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP), Dr. Al-Jadhey highlighted the SFDA’s pivotal role in implementing the National Biotechnology Strategy. He emphasized the Authority’s efforts in creating a robust regulatory framework for biotechnology, including establishing clinical trial protocols for biopharmaceuticals, setting manufacturing standards for bioproducts, overseeing clinical evaluation, and monitoring the safety of bioproducts post-market. Additionally, the SFDA supports research, development, and manufacturing within the biotechnology sector.
Dr. Al-Jadhey stressed that the Kingdom’s health system views biotechnology holistically, focusing on enhancing the quality of life across various sectors, including medical products, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, and industry. He noted that the SFDA has proactively adjusted its organizational structure to align with the national strategy, creating specialized departments within sectors such as food, medicine, medical devices, and laboratories.
He urged stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of biotechnology regulation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in developing new technologies tailored to public health needs in the Kingdom. Through joint efforts, he stated, Saudi Arabia could establish a thriving biotechnology ecosystem that fosters innovation, attracts global investments, and cements the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in biotechnology.
— SPA