Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Dr. Hisham Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), highlighted the National Biotechnology Strategy's vision to establish Saudi Arabia as a future leader in biomanufacturing and medical innovation.

Speaking at the 4th Annual International Conference of the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP), Dr. Aljadhey detailed the SFDA's pivotal role in advancing the strategy, which emphasizes vaccines, bio-localization, genomics, and plant improvement.

Dr. Aljadhey outlined the comprehensive framework the SFDA has developed to support the National Biotechnology Strategy. This includes establishing regulations and guidelines for biotechnology that cover clinical trial protocols for biopharmaceuticals, manufacturing standards for bioproducts, clinical evaluation and assessment, and post-market safety monitoring.

The strategy aims to integrate biotechnology across various sectors to enhance the quality of life in Saudi Arabia. This encompasses medical products, medicines, agriculture and food, and the industrial sector.

To align with this national vision, the SFDA has adapted its structure by creating new departments focused on specific biotechnology areas within food, medicine, medical devices, and research laboratories.

Dr. Aljadhey urged stakeholders to engage actively in shaping the future of biotechnology regulation.

He emphasized that collaborative efforts will be crucial in developing biotechnologies tailored to public health needs in Saudi Arabia, fostering innovation, attracting global investments, and securing the Kingdom's position as a global leader in biotechnology.