King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) has signed a partnership with the Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine (RCIGM) in the United States to collaborate on implementing RCIGM’s genome-based newborn screening platform enabling early detection of more than 500 treatable and preventable genetic diseases, helping protect children from serious complications and ensuring timely medical intervention.
The agreement was signed at KFSHRC’s Riyadh headquarters, with CEO of KFSHRC in Riyadh Dr. Bjorn Zoëga and President and CEO of the Rady Children’s Institute Professor Stephen Kingsmore representing their institutions, in the presence of senior leaders from both sides.
According to a press release issued by the KFSHRC, the collaboration covers key areas including collecting and analyzing genomic sequencing data for newborns, conducting joint clinical research to assess the benefits and cost-effectiveness of genetic screening, developing globally applicable protocols, and raising community awareness while training healthcare professionals in genetic testing.
This agreement represents a strategic step that strengthens KFSHRC’s role in precision medicine and genetic testing, while opening avenues for collaboration with leading international research institutions to advance medical practice and scientific innovation.
KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the second consecutive year, and has been recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings.
It was included in the world's best 250 hospitals and in the World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine.