The Saudi Vaccine and Biomanufacturing Center (SVBC), the first of its kind in the Middle East, broke ground at KAUST on December 15. The center will develop vaccines and biopharmaceutical products under good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards. It is a joint project championed by the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources through the Industrial Clusters Program and supported by KACST. Why it matters: The center will serve as a national platform for pharmaceutical innovation and address epidemic risks in the Kingdom, such as MERS-CoV.
KAUST's Bioscience Core Lab (BCL) supports regional and global health initiatives through industry partnerships, offering expertise and technology access to organizations like SaudiVax. BCL aids SaudiVax in developing vaccines and monoclonal antibodies tailored to the needs of Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, focusing on respiratory diseases like MERS and COVID-19. SaudiVax is also collaborating with KAUST to research a new preventative drug targeting SARS-CoV-2. Why it matters: This strengthens Saudi Arabia's capabilities in vaccine development and biomanufacturing, addressing critical healthcare needs in the region and reducing reliance on external sources.
SaudiVax, located in the KAUST Research & Technology Park, is collaborating with the University of Pittsburgh and Merck France to develop a COVID-19 antibody injection. The antibody both protects against potential infection and neutralizes the virus in those already infected. SaudiVax is utilizing KAUST expertise and has contracted with Merck France for manufacturing since suitable facilities are not yet available in Saudi Arabia. Why it matters: This partnership highlights the growing biopharmaceutical capabilities in Saudi Arabia and the potential for KAUST to serve as a hub for medical innovation in the region.
KAUST held its first bio-entrepreneurship ideation workshop, "Ignite Bio", for Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering students and postdoctoral fellows. Speakers from Noor Diagnostics and Discovery, Cellestia BioTech, Kyanos Biotechnology and SaudiVax shared their experiences about the startup journey. Saudi-based startups highlighted the need for services and products not currently available in the Kingdom, such as genetic diagnostic testing and local vaccine production. Why it matters: The workshop and the highlighted startups signal growing interest and opportunities for biotech innovation and entrepreneurship within Saudi Arabia.