المعهد الوطني لأبحاث الصحة وسانوفي يؤسسان إطارًا استراتيجيًا لتعزيز قدرات المملكة في الأبحاث الصحية

• The collaboration explores the exchange of scientific knowledge, clinical research, research and development, and innovation, in line with national health research priorities.

• The framework aims to support Saudi scientific competencies and enhance the Kingdom's readiness to conduct internationally competitive clinical research.

• Potential areas of collaboration include genomics, precision medicine, digital health, artificial intelligence, and data-driven research.

The National Institute for Health Research in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sanofi have signed a memorandum of understanding that establishes a strategic framework to explore collaboration opportunities in health research, innovation, and the development of scientific capabilities, supporting Saudi Arabia's ambition to enhance its regional and international standing in health research.

Establishing Foundations for Globally Competitive Saudi Health Research

This framework combines the national role of the National Institute for Health Research in health research with Sanofi's global expertise in science and clinical development, to explore ways to develop scientific knowledge, research capabilities, and research and development activities in the Kingdom.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Health Sector Transformation Program, and the National Biotechnology Strategy, this collaboration will contribute to enhancing the necessary components for conducting high-quality research, including national research infrastructure, readiness for clinical trials, research governance, and the development of Saudi scientific, clinical, and research competencies. It will also provide a platform for the organized exchange of scientific and technical knowledge, methodologies, and international best practices, supporting the evolution of the research ecosystem in the Kingdom.

From Genomics to Artificial Intelligence: Expanding the Kingdom's Scientific Capabilities

Potential areas of collaboration include research and innovation in fields related to diseases with a high national burden and unmet medical needs, including genomics and precision medicine related to the population in the Kingdom. The two parties may also explore areas of digital health, artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced analytics, digital biomarkers, and real-world data, provided that any activities involving national health or genomic data are subject to separate final agreements and the approval of the relevant Saudi authorities.

Developing capabilities will be another area of focus, with potential collaboration opportunities in research methodologies, conducting clinical trials, regulatory sciences, bioethics, genomic medicine, and health data science. Through this framework, both parties aim to build sustainable local research expertise and enhance collaboration between national institutions, academic entities, stakeholders in the health sector, and innovative biopharmaceutical industries.

Professor Fares Al-Anzi - CEO, National Institute for Health Research

“This framework reflects the commitment of the National Institute for Health Research to build a national research ecosystem that is connected to the world and driven by the needs of the Kingdom. Enhancing the Kingdom's capabilities in health research, from readiness for clinical trials and prioritizing research governance to precision medicine, data-driven sciences, and medical innovation, is at the core of our role within Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy. Our collaboration with Sanofi provides a valuable platform for the exchange of scientific knowledge and empowering Saudi scientific and clinical competencies, contributing to the innovation and conduct of more world-class health research and translating its results into better health outcomes within the Kingdom.”

Dr. Lama Saleh - General Manager of General Medicines in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States, Sanofi

“Saudi Arabia is transitioning from participating in global health research to becoming an environment from which scientific research of global significance emerges. This transformation requires more than investment; it needs strong scientific competencies, robust research capabilities, and a system capable of translating discoveries into tangible impact. Our collaboration with the National Institute for Health Research reflects our commitment to this ambition by combining Sanofi's global scientific expertise with Saudi capabilities, enabling the innovation, leadership, and conduct of more research within the Kingdom, with the potential to contribute to improving health outcomes in Saudi Arabia and supporting scientific advancement globally.”

About the National Institute for Health Research

The National Institute for Health Research is the national entity in the Kingdom responsible for leading, coordinating, and developing health research. The Institute prioritizes and oversees national health research, develops research capabilities, governance, and infrastructure, and supports the translation of scientific evidence into better health outcomes, clinical practices, and health policies. Its role contributes to achieving the Kingdom's ambition to enhance national scientific capabilities and develop health research and innovation in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and national research, development, and innovation priorities.

About Sanofi

Sanofi is a global innovative healthcare company driven by research and development and supported by artificial intelligence, committed to improving people's lives and achieving sustainable growth. Through our deep understanding of the immune system, we innovate medicines and vaccines that make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world, with sustainability and social responsibility at the heart of our ambitions.

Sanofi is listed on the Euronext stock exchange under the symbol (SAN) and on NASDAQ under the symbol (SNY).