ImmunityBio Expands Global Footprint With Cancer BioShield Platform Launch In Saudi Arabia

ImmunityBio, Inc. has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment (MISA), King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC), and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) to bring its FDA-approved Cancer BioShield platform to the Middle East. The agreement was announced during the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum 2025 in Riyadh, held alongside U.S. President Trump’s state visit.

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Founder, Executive Chairman and Global Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of ImmunityBio, commented, “We are honoured to work with KAIMRC, KFSHRC, and MISA to bring this transformative technology to the region. The BioShield platform changes the way we think about treating cancer, not by destroying the immune system but by restoring and activating it. The root cause of early mortality is the collapse of the immune system; lymphopenia is the disease, and cancer is a symptom. Together, by considering this a paradigm change, we can build a regional centre of excellence for next-generation immunotherapies in which we activate the body’s natural defences.”

Dr. Majid AlFayyadh, CEO of KFSHRC, commented, “This partnership is aligned with our mission to deliver cutting-edge care and translate scientific innovation into life-saving treatment for our patients.”

The BioShield platform, powered by Anktiva® (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept), an IL-15 superagonist, offers a novel approach to cancer treatment by activating and protecting NK and T cells rather than suppressing them as traditional chemotherapy and radiation often do. This platform directly addresses lymphopenia, a reduction in vital immune cells caused by cancer or treatment, offering a restorative approach to immune function and potentially impacting not only cancer and sepsis, but also ageing and longevity.

Khalid A. AlFalih, Minister of Investment, Saudi Arabia, said, “This partnership reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to positioning itself as a global hub in the biotechnology sector in advanced therapeutics. Through this collaboration, we will localise cutting-edge technologies, build biomanufacturing capabilities, and enhance our national biotechnology infrastructure and human capabilities in alignment with the objectives of the National Biotech Strategy.”

Under the MOU, the parties will collaborate on clinical trials, knowledge transfer, and healthcare training, aiming to establish Middle East subsidiaries and a regional research hub for immune-restorative therapies. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology and healthcare goals, positioning the Kingdom as a hub for next-generation immunotherapy.

Dr. Bandar Al Knawy, CEO of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs and Chairman of KAIMRC, said, “This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation in patient-centred care. With the adoption of CAR-NK and advancements in nanotechnology, we are not only enhancing the immune system during cancer treatment but also redefining the possibilities in healthcare. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to transform lives and elevate health outcomes throughout the MENA region.”