SFDA CEO Visits US Pharmaceutical Facilities and Research Centers to Enhance Innovation and Explore

The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, recently conducted official visits to several pharmaceutical facilities and research centers in the United States. The visits aimed to review the latest advancements in the global pharmaceutical industry and leverage international expertise to advance scientific research and innovation in the pharmaceutical field.

The visits took place on the sidelines of Dr. Aljadhey’s participation in the Drug Information Association (DIA) 2026 Global Annual Meeting, held from June 14 to 18. The event brought together global experts and decision-makers in pharmaceuticals, modern technologies, and regulatory sciences.

The itinerary included the WuXi AppTec manufacturing campus in Middletown, a global company specializing in pharmaceutical research, development, manufacturing, and biotechnology services—where Dr. Aljadhey met with senior leadership.

Additionally, Dr. Aljadhey visited the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Lab & Research Center, GSK’s largest research facility in the United States. During the visit, he received a detailed briefing on the center and its key projects, including the development of biomarkers for precision oncology and the acceleration of drug discovery through the Moonshot/Orbit methodology. He also held strategic discussions with several of the center's leaders.

These visits highlight the SFDA's commitment to adopting leading global practices in the pharmaceutical industry and strengthening the research, development, and innovation ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. This initiative directly supports the ongoing improvement and efficiency of the healthcare sector, in line with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program under Saudi Vision 2030. Furthermore, it bolsters the Authority’s presence in international forums and facilitates the exchange of expertise with global regulatory and scientific bodies.