FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Baylor Genetics and King Faisal Specialist Hospital – Saudi Diagnostic Limited Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Build Strategic Partnership for All Genetic Testing and Precision Medicine
HOUSTON, TEXAS / RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA (May 10, 2019) – Houston-based Baylor Genetics (BG) and Riyadh-based Saudi Diagnostic Limited (SDL), a subsidiary of King Faisal Specialist Hospital International Holding Company (KFSHI), signed an MOU to exclusively work toward a Strategic Partnership agreement for all genetic testing and precision medicine in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.
As part of the partnership agreement, KFSHI-SDL will utilize BG as its exclusive laboratory partner for all genetic testing and precision medicine, with both institutions creating a bi-directional integration for seamless ordering, reporting, and interpretation. BG will provide KFHSI-SDL with technical support, technology transfer and training services to further enhance its existing capabilities. Furthermore, both parties will make efforts to develop and commercialize testing for the Saudi Arabian population. The mutual goal of this collaboration is to commercialize genetic testing in the MENA region, and for both institutions to work collaboratively on their research endeavors.
Kengo Takishima, BG President and CEO, stated, “This Strategic Partnership will bring together our genetic testing expertise with KFSHI-SDL, the premier healthcare provider in the region. We believe this collaboration positions both entities to further expand best-in-class genetic testing to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and surrounding regions, and increase access to expertise, support, training, and education.”
Dr. Malak Abedalthagafi, KFSHI-SDL Medical Director, commented, “We are looking forward to democratizing and accelerating the application of genomics and precision medicine in the MENA region. The long-standing history of excellence of our center in preventing, diagnosing and treating genetics-related conditions, and the expertise of BG can indeed bring the best practices and cutting-edge technology to the community.”
Mr. Mohamed Hussin Bajrai, KFSHI-SDL General Manager, stated, “We will continue to deliver the highest standards to our clients, and this partnership with BG will further advance our goals. This agreement is an inflection point in the diagnostic services of the KFSHI-SDL. It will give us the opportunity to expand our reach in the Saudi and MENA market. The cornerstone of our commercial and scientific partnership with BG will be aligned with Saudi 2030 vision in technology and knowledge transfer.”
BG and KFSHI-SDL are looking forward to working together to provide the global standard of excellence in genetic testing and education in the Middle East. The definitive partnership agreement is scheduled to be completed by end of June 2019.
About Baylor Genetics
Baylor Genetics is a joint venture of Miraca Holdings, Inc. and the No. 1 NIH-funded genetics program at Baylor College of Medicine. BG has been a pioneer of precision medicine, offering a full spectrum of cost-effective genetic testing, and providing clinically relevant solutions. This jointly owned clinical diagnostic venture is headquartered in Houston’s Texas Medical Center, serving clients in 50 states and 16 countries.
About King Faisal Specialist Hospital International Holding Co. – Saudi Diagnostic Limited
Saudi Diagnostic Limited is a subsidiary of King Faisal Specialist Hospital International Holding Company, and the sole provider of molecular and genetic testing services to King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, the No. 1 ranked hospital in the Arab World and No. 76 worldwide according to Webometrics Ranking of World Hospitals. The laboratory serves more than 120 customers in the region and collaborates closely with both academic and government facilities. KFSHI-SDL champions the elevation of the healthcare services in the region and leverages their unique business system to expand best practices and breakthroughs through the Kingdom.
Contact:
Masele Ivey
Baylor Genetics
1.800.411.4363
mivey@baylorgenetics.com
www.baylorgenetics.com/news/
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