KFSHRC and Lilly collaborate on early detection of Alzheimer’s disease

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — King Faisal Specialty Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) and Eli Lilly Saudi Arabia today signed a memorandum of understanding to improve care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The MoU will pave the way for establishing the KFSHRC Neuroscience Center as a regional benchmark of excellence in the field of Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

The parties are committed to jointly exploring initiatives to educate and train Saudi healthcare professionals in the field of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, including the latest global research findings and global best practices in healthcare delivery.

Through this broad collaboration, Lilly will transfer its manufacturing know-how to KFSHRC, allowing for the future production of imaging agents and positron emission tomography (PET) tracers in Saudi Arabia with potential for export.

PET scans are advanced imaging tests that use radiopharmaceuticals called tracers. They are often used to detect early signs of cancer, heart disease and brain disease. Thus, they help diagnose and evaluate the spread of cancer, heart and brain problems such as tumors, epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Najib Kadi, Director of the KFSHRC Neuroscience Centre, said: “The signing of the memorandum of understanding between the KFSHRC and Lilly is a transformative step in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. With advanced localized PET imaging technology, we are able to make earlier and more accurate diagnoses, allowing patients to achieve better outcomes and improve their quality of life. A key aspect of this cooperation is the transfer of knowledge and technology, which could ensure that Saudi specialists have the latest advances. This initiative will enable our local experts to provide world-class care while delivering global innovation directly to our patients. This collaboration reinforces our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our patients and their families. “Together we advance healthcare and breathe new life into hope.”

In Riyadh, Irina Zaporozhets, President of Lilly Middle East and Turkey, said: “Lilly will bring to Saudi Arabia the most advanced technologies for the early detection of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. By combining our expertise with KFSHRC, we aim to make breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in Saudi Arabia. This long-term strategic collaboration enables the production of PET amyloid and tau indicators for PET imaging of Alzheimer’s disease in Saudi Arabia. “This could improve patient outcomes and serve as a basis for further regional research and innovation in the field of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Notably, KFSHRC was ranked number one in the Middle East and Africa and number 20 globally in the list of the world’s top 250 academic medical centers for the second year in a row; and was recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East according to Brand Finance’s 2024 rankings. In addition, Newsweek magazine named it one of the World’s 250 Best Hospitals this year and one of the World’s Best Smart Hospitals for 2025. For more information, visit http://www.kfshrc.edu.sa or contact us. Contact our press office by writing to mediacoverage@kfshrc.edu.sa.

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