Saudi Arabia inaugurates first local insulin manufacturing facility, advancing healthcare self-sufficiency
The inauguration of the facility marks a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia's healthcare transformation, ensuring that patients have access to world-class treatment produced in Saudi, for Saudi, by Saudi.
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Arab News
7 days ago
- Arab News
Tokyo firm partners with Saudi hospital to advance stem cell treatment system
TOKYO: ADR Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Cytori Cell Research Institute, Inc., has signed a Letter of Intent to conduct a joint clinical trial for '90-minute complete stem cell therapy' with the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center. The collaboration, reported in PR Times, is expected to drive medical innovation in the Middle East and bring new hope to patients with intractable diseases that were previously considered difficult to treat. In conventional stem cell therapy, harvested cells must be cultured for anything between several weeks and months at a dedicated facility, resulting in high costs and long waiting times. ADR Therapeutics' Cellution System purifies non-cultured cells from a patient's tissue to the state needed for treatment in just 90 minutes and can be administered on the same day of collection. This provides a safe and effective treatment option for diseases such as osteoarthritis, diabetic foot lesions, Crohn's disease and chronic pain. The risk of rejection is extremely low because the patient's own cells are used and the risk of infection is reduced because no culture process is required. Saudi Arabia has positioned the medical and healthcare sector as a key strategic area in Vision 2030, the national transformation program led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and aims to become a world-leading medical hub. The number of patients in the Middle East with diabetes and other chronic diseases is rapidly increasing due to changes in lifestyle, and a rising number of cases are difficult to treat with conventional therapies. It is expected the strategic partnership between the Kingdom and Japan in the medical field will be further strengthened by the contribution of Japan-originated stem cell therapy technology to solving local medical issues. The most important feature of the treatment is that it can be performed at ordinary medical institutions without the need for advanced culture facilities or specialized technicians. This will enable the provision of advanced regenerative medicine in regions with limited specialized facilities and is expected to contribute significantly to improving access to medical care. Saudi medical professionals will be able to acquire the latest stem cell therapy technology through specialist Japanese doctors providing direct technical guidance locally.
Arab News
26-06-2025
- Arab News
Saudi Ministry of Health launches nationwide campaign to tackle obesity
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health launched on Thursday its 'A Nation Without Obesity' campaign in Riyadh, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and combating obesity across the Kingdom. In its initial phase, the campaign aims to target 1 million beneficiaries, bringing together several governmental, private, and non-profit entities. 'A Nation Without Obesity' was launched in response to multiple calls from Shura Council members and aligns with the Kingdom's health transformation efforts, which have recorded notable progress toward the targets set out in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Mustafa Abdul Rahman, general manager of Lilly in Saudi Arabia, emphasized that obesity is not a personal choice or a lifestyle issue, but a chronic disease that demands long-term management grounded in science, innovation, treatment, and prevention. He highlighted the urgent need to shift societal perceptions and eliminate the stigma surrounding obesity, which often discourages individuals from seeking the help and treatment they need. 'The company supports the 'A Nation Without Obesity' campaign, which aims to raise awareness, remove psychological and social barriers, and empower individuals to access the support and treatment they need,' Abdul Rahman added. Real transformation, he noted, starts with formal policies that back sustainable solutions and with strong partnerships between the public and private sectors. Obesity impacts not only physical health, but also leads to a decline in mental well-being and social stability, often intensifying social isolation and reducing overall quality of life. Eliminating the stigma surrounding individuals living with obesity is therefore essential, Abdul Rahman explained. The economic toll of obesity is equally pressing, with escalating healthcare costs linked to associated diseases and a notable decline in productivity driven by its complications — factors that cannot be ignored. For this reason, Lilly places economic impact at the core of its comprehensive strategy to combat obesity, Abdul Rahman said. Mohammed Alghasham, CEO of Qalb Health Association, praised the campaign's remarkable spirit of collaboration, emphasizing the strategic partnership with the Quality of Life Program and the engagement of Kayl Association for Combating Obesity as key contributors to a unified awareness effort. 'The association is committed to driving forward innovative social, awareness, and pharmaceutical initiatives while continuing to conduct studies and research aimed at enhancing existing solutions to the complex challenge of obesity, and supporting healthcare providers with insights that strengthen decision-making,' Alghasham said.
Arab News
25-06-2025
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia leads regional effort to improve nutrition, public health
RIYADH: The World Health Organization has designated the Saudi Food and Drug Authority as its Regional Center for Nutrition Collaboration for the Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes 22 countries. According to the authority, the recognition reflects its work in implementing food and nutrition policies aimed at improving public health, enhancing quality of life and reducing non-communicable diseases. The designation supports efforts to develop healthier food systems and encourage better eating habits, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The center will assist member countries in applying key strategies of the WHO. These include reducing salt and sugar intake, eliminating partially hydrogenated oils, limiting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and building a regional database on nutritional content to support evidence-based policies. The appointment also confirms the authority's role in enforcing nutrition-related regulations that support healthier food environments. It aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030. The WHO has praised Saudi Arabia's removal of partially hydrogenated oils from food products, citing it as a model practice. The Kingdom received a certificate of recognition and now leads an international working group to help other countries replicate this achievement. Saudi Arabia is also among the first countries to reduce salt intake through specific legislation and regulatory measures, the SPA reported on Wednesday. To help the center meet its goals, the World Health Organization will provide technical expertise, reference materials, guidance tools and training content. The center will work closely with regional data hubs and carry out its objectives through initiatives such as policy workshops, progress monitoring, forming expert task forces, and developing a regional framework and action plan.
