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May 20, 2024 | Monday
The 6th Annual Saudi International Vaccination Forum – Pioneering Global Health through Immunization
Under the esteemed patronage of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, represented by the Infection Prevention and Control Program, the 6th Annual Saudi International Vaccination Forum (SIVF2024), with its theme Life Course Immunization: Vaccines for All Life Stages, is set to convene in Riyadh from the 28th to the 30th of May at the Crowne Plaza RDC Hotel, Riyadh, KSA. This paramount gathering stands as the Middle East's leading initiative in leveraging the power of collaboration and innovation among policy makers, health experts, and professionals to reinforce and elevate vaccination practices and strategies.The event is supported by Gulf Association of Family Medicine, Saudi Epidemiology Society, Saudi Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (SPIDS), Saudi Society for Infection Prevention and Control (SSIPC), Saudi Society of Family and Community Medicine, and Waey Association for Community Health. Emphasizing the critical importance of effective vaccine implementation in our region and beyond, the forum promises an enriching scientific program covering vital aspects such as vaccine policy, recent advancements in vaccination, regulations, and the key role of immunization in public health. A distinguished feature of SIVF2024 is the pre-forum workshop, titled Vaccine Hesitancy and Confidence Evidence-Based Strategies and Approaches. The workshop is tailored to provide attendees with hands- on experience and in-depth knowledge on contemporary challenges and developments in the vaccination domain. This preliminary session is designed to augment the practical skills and proficiency of health care professionals, paving the way for improved immunization outcomes. Dr. Majid Al Shamrani, Chairman of SIVF2024 and Executive Director, Infection Prevention and Control Program, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, KSA, has emphasized the significance of the forum. He stated: “The 6th Annual Saudi International Vaccination Forum marks a pivotal step towards enriching the medical field not only within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also on a global scale. The Kingdom is taking some serious and commendable steps in advancing the realms of healthcare, and immunization plays a crucial role in this journey towards excellence and innovation.” At the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, we are dedicated to infection prevention and control as a fundamental pillar of healthcare excellence. With an unwavering commitment to primary prevention, we strive to protect our communities through robust measures, promote education on disease prevention strategies, and raise awareness at every level. By fostering a culture of prevention and empowering our communities, we can build a resilient defense against vaccine-preventable diseases and ensure the well-being of all, Al Shamrani added. The 6th Annual Saudi International Vaccination Forum is gearing up to present an outstanding program, meticulously designed to cater to the contemporary interests and challenges in the field of vaccination. This year's forum boasts an unparalleled assembly of expertise, with over 45 regional and international speakers poised to deliver insights across an array of pertinent topics within the sphere of vaccines. The agenda is comprehensive, comprising engaging keynote and panel sessions, industry symposiums, research abstract presentations, and a total of 14 thoughtfully curated sessions alongside 42 medical presentations that promise to dive deep into the latest research, strategies, and outcomes in vaccination such as Life-Course Immunization: Toward an Effective Implementation; Immunization Practice Guidelines and Updates; The Roadmap Toward Cervical Cancer Elimination; Vaccines for the Elderly Population to name a few. Life course immunization is not merely a series of isolated events, but a comprehensive approach that safeguards health at every stage. The Saudi International Vaccination Forum brings together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to delve into the crucial areas of research in vaccination, tackle vaccine hesitancy, and pave the way for a healthier future. By prioritizing immunization across the lifespan, we ensure optimal protection and foster a culture of wellness that encompasses everyone. Together, let us advance the science, confront challenges, and champion the transformative potential of vaccines for a brighter tomorrow, Dr. Fayssal Farahat, Director, Community and Public Health, Infection Prevention and Control Program, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, KSA. In a significant highlight, the forum will also host the prestigious Saudi Vaccination Award, recognizing exceptional contributions and achievements in the field. The key topics to be discussed at the forum include strategies to combat Vaccine Hesitancy and Confidence, the impact of Climate Change on Communicable Diseases and vaccine-preventable diseases, advancements in Disease Prevention through Monoclonal Antibodies, and strategies towards the Elimination of Cervical Cancer. Additionally, special focus will be laid on Vaccination for Mass Gatherings, Life-Course Immunization, and up-to-date Immunization Practice Guidelines. Cost-effectiveness, digital solutions, and addressing high-risk populations are at the forefront of our mission to optimize vaccinations. Through innovative strategies, we aim to maximize the impact of immunization programs, ensuring efficient resource allocation and reaching those most vulnerable. Embracing technology and digital solutions, we unlock new avenues for accessibility, monitoring, and personalized care. Together, let us harness the power of data, technology, and targeted interventions to create a future where every individual receives the lifesaving benefits of vaccination, Dr. Mohammed Al Zunitan, Deputy Executive Director, Infection Prevention and Control Program, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, KSA. SIVF2024 extends an invitation to an array of health care professionals including General Practitioners, Pediatricians, Family Medicine Practitioners, Microbiologists, Bacteriologists, Internal Medicine Practitioners, Virologists, Pathologists, Public Health Professionals, Pharmacists, Nurses, Researchers, Quality and patient safety specialists and more. This forum provides an unmatched opportunity for experts and interested health care professionals to delve into the latest insights and practices in immunization. The 6th Annual Saudi International Vaccination Forum is more than a convention; it is a collaborative initiative to fostering a healthier future for all. Let us unite in Riyadh to share knowledge, inspire breakthroughs, and drive forward the global immunization agenda. As seats are limited, interested healthcare professionals are encouraged to secure their participation by registering early for theSIVF2023. For more information and to register for the event, please visit: www.saudivaccinationforum.comAbout SIVF2024:The Saudi International Vaccination Forum is an annual event that aims to highlight the importance of vaccination, showcase recent advancements, and discuss challenges and opportunities in the field of immunization. Bringing together healthcare professionals from across the globe, the forum seeks to foster collaboration and exchange knowledge to enhance vaccination strategies and practices. Contact:For press inquiries and additional information about SIVF2024P Please contact us at:E: info@saudivaccinationforum.com
May 18, 2024 | Saturday
Abu Dhabi govt signs MoU with Roche Pharma to elevate research, clinical trials and real-world data
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Roche Pharmaceuticals Middle East. Reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading destination for life science, the agreement seeks to enhance innovation, health services and treatment available to patients in the Emirate. In the presence of Dr Rashed Alsuwaidi, the Executive Director of the Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at DoH and Michael Oberreiter, Head of Global Access at Roche Pharmaceuticals, the MoU was signed by Dr Asma Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH and Mohamed Elshaarawy, General Manager Roche Pharmaceuticals, UAE. The MoU features two key pillars of collaboration that will benefit patients in Abu Dhabi. Firstly, the two entities will work together to support the evolution of real-world data collection frameworks in Abu Dhabi, and the subsequent potential evidence generation activities that are targeted to monitor rare and priority diseases as assigned by DoH and agreed upon by Roche. Enhancing DoH's ability to track and monitor outcomes of therapies will support DoH in making informed clinical and policy decisions for better optimisation of patient outcomes. Furthermore, DoH and Roche will strengthen the research network across Abu Dhabi and improve accrual for potential clinical trials. Under the MoU, the two entities will advance critical research using real-world data to study and assess the spinal muscular atrophy burden in Abu Dhabi, as well as assessing potential conduction of research and the facilitation of real-world data collection to monitor Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) disease.
May 16, 2024 | Thursday
New Healthcare Academy in Emirate to build global AI-trained workforce
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the leading artificial intelligence (AI) research-based academic institution located in Abu Dhabi, and Core42, a G42 company offering AI solutions. The MoU was signed by Dr Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at DoH; Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations at MBZUAI and Talal Al Kaissi, Executive Vice President, Chief Product and Global Partnership Officer at Core42. Reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading destination for healthcare and life sciences, the partnership seeks to establish a framework of collaboration to strengthen the Emirate's position at the forefront of technology-enabled and data-driven healthcare systems. The new AI Healthcare Academy will help to build a global AI-trained workforce, which is capable of advancing diagnostic and operational efficiency, significantly improving patient care, and streamlining healthcare processes around the world. Through leveraging advanced technologies and harnessing the power of AI, DoH seeks to upskill the health workforce, enhance local practices and contribute to broader medical research and treatment modalities worldwide. By embracing AI-driven technologies, healthcare professionals can stay at the forefront of innovation, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on a global scale.
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May 10, 2024 | Friday
Korea-Saudi Arabia discuss healthcare cooperation
Minister of Health and Welfare in South Korea, Cho Kyoo-Hong recently met with Yousef Bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Minister of Education of Saudi Arabia, in Seoul, to discuss ways to strengthen healthcare cooperation, including expanding the training of medical personnel, between Korea and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, the two Ministers agreed on the need to train specialised medical personnel in response to the rapidly changing medical environment and to continue to advance bilateral policy cooperation, including their vision of the agreement on the training of Saudi medical personnel. In addition, Minister Cho shared the recent issues of interest in the healthcare sector, including the sending of Saudi government-funded patients and elevation of Korean medical licenses to a higher group, to expand medical personnel exchange and healthcare cooperation between the two countries.
May 07, 2024 | Tuesday
Biocartis & Merck lay focus on improving colorectal cancer treatment in Middle East
Belgium headquartered firm Biocartis has announced an expansion of its collaboration with Merck Serono Middle East and Merck Saudi, both affiliates of Merck KGaA. The collaboration aims to improve patient access to RAS biomarker testing in the Middle East and North Africa (MEA) region. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with an estimated incidence of more than 1.9 million new cases annually. Understanding an individual patient’s biomarker status is key to support timely treatment decision-making in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Treatment with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody therapies have shown to improve outcomes in patients with RAS wild-type mCRC3, and have become standard of care for RAS wild-type mCRC. RAS biomarker testing is cumbersome and not readily available in all parts of the world. The Idylla KRAS Mutation test and Idylla NRAS-BRAF Mutation test are highly performant6 tests that rapidly determine the RAS biomarker status in mCRC tumor tissue samples. Due to the ease-of-use of the Biocartis Idylla Platform, the tests can be deployed in any user setting and in turn aid patient access to biomarker testing globally. Roger Moody, Chief Executive Officer of Biocartis, said “In our mission to enable universal access to personalized medicine for patients around the world, Biocartis is proud to provide Idylla's cutting-edge technology for mCRC testing across countries in the MEA region." Ramsey Morad, SVP & Head MEAR - Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Russia/CIS at Merck, added "By leveraging Biocartis' RAS-testing platform, we are confident this will allow treating oncologists to swiftly determine biomarker status and facilitate timely treatment decisions for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer."
May 06, 2024 | Monday
GIBF invests $10 M in Israel-based startup Nectin Therapeutics to advance Antibody Drug Conjugates
Guangzhou-Israel Biotechnology Fund (GIBF) has invested $10 million in Nectin Therapeutics. Israel-based startup Nectin is a biotechnology company developing novel targeted immunotherapies that address resistance to approved immune oncology treatments. The funds will be used to continue the development of Nectin's portfolio of novel immuno-oncology products, including the advancement of Nectin's ongoing NTX1088 global Phase 1 clinical trial targeting PVR and the preclinical development of its anti-drug conjugate (ADC) portfolio. NTX1088 is Nectin's First-in-Class lead candidate - a highly potent monoclonal antibody directed against PVR (CD155), a transmembrane protein expressed on cancer cells and associated with resistance to PD1 and PDL1 immune checkpoint inhibitors. PVR blockade by NTX1088 is the first and only therapeutic approach aiming at restoring the antitumor immune activity of DNAM1 (CD226). DNAM1 is a cell surface glycoprotein, central to the function of T and NK cells, that is suppressed by PVR on tumor cells. Restoring the expression and activation of DNAM1 by blocking PVR results in increased antitumour activity from T and NK cells. PVR blockade by NTX1088 further stimulates an antitumour immune response by preventing the suppressing signaling of several immune checkpoint receptors, including TIGIT and CD96. According to Fabian Tenenbaum, CEO of Nectin Therapeutics, "With this new investment we are looking forward to completing both the dose-escalation and dose-expansion trials for NTX1088 and continue our IND-enabling activities of our ADC assets."
May 03, 2024 | Friday
Saudi Arabia pledges $500 M to protect children from polio
At the first-ever World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting hosted in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has pledged $500 million over the next five years to support the work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). This announcement marks a significant increase in funding for the global effort to eradicate polio, a devastating virus that paralyses and can be fatal for children but is preventable with vaccines. The funds announced will enable GPEI partners – the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Rotary International, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) – spearheaded by national governments, to protect more than 370 million children with polio vaccines every year. It will also facilitate the delivery of other life-saving interventions like nutritional supplements and bed nets to underserved communities and strengthen health systems to better prepare countries for emerging health threats. The commitment was made as part of a broader more than $620 million partnership by Saudi Arabia and BMGF to support polio eradication and contribute to other global health initiatives, including the Lives and Livelihoods Fund.
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