SAUDI ARABIA – King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eli Lilly Saudi Arabia aimed at improving care for Alzheimer’s patients.
This strategic partnership seeks to transform KFSHRC’s Neuroscience Centre into a leading regional hub for excellence in Alzheimer’s Disease treatment and research.
The collaboration will focus on developing initiatives to educate and train healthcare professionals across Saudi Arabia on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
By sharing the latest global research findings and best practices in patient care, the partnership aims to equip local providers with the knowledge necessary to improve treatment outcomes for those affected by these conditions.
Advancing diagnostic capabilities with PET Imaging
A key aspect of the agreement involves Eli Lilly transferring manufacturing expertise to KFSHRC.
This will enable the local production of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging agents and tracers, which are essential for early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
PET scans utilize radiopharmaceuticals to detect early signs of various health issues, including cancers, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
Dr. Najeeb Qadi, Director of the Neuroscience Centre at KFSHRC, remarked on the significance of this collaboration: “The signing of this MoU represents a transformative step in dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. Through localized PET imaging technology, we can empower earlier, more accurate diagnoses, giving patients a chance at better outcomes and improved quality of life.”
Irina Zaporozhets, President of Lilly Middle East and Turkey, emphasized the potential impact of the partnership, stating that Lilly will introduce state-of-the-art early detection processes for Alzheimer’s disease to Saudi Arabia.
She noted that by combining expertise with KFSHRC, the collaboration aims to make transformative advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s, laying a foundation for ongoing regional research and innovation in the field.
KFSHRC’s distinguished recognition
KFSHRC’s initiatives come at a time of significant recognition; it has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the second consecutive year, according to Brand Finance’s 2024 rankings.
Additionally, it was recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and named one of the World’s Best Smart Hospitals for 2025 by Newsweek magazine.
These accolades highlight KFSHRC’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare and pioneering advancements in medical technology.
Commitment to mental health and well-being
KFSHRC is also actively working to enhance mental health services through the integration of digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI).
This initiative aims to improve mental health service delivery, ensuring that patients who may be reluctant to seek in-person care can access support in a secure, confidential manner.
With an estimated 34% of the Saudi population experiencing mental health disorders and a staggering 85% of severe cases remaining untreated, KFSHRC’s efforts are crucial in addressing the growing mental health crisis in the region.
The hospital’s focus on culturally aligned digital solutions is expected to improve access to care, especially in underserved areas, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and expanding the mental health workforce’s capabilities.
