KFSHRC partners with Kopra Bio to develop advanced viral vector therapies for solid tumors

SAUDI ARABIA—King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has formed a strategic partnership with Kopra Bio, Inc. to develop advanced genetically engineered viral vector therapies for solid tumors.

This partnership begins with KB-516, Kopra Bio’s leading candidate, which uses a replicating retrovirus to deliver an IL-15 super-agonist.

This treatment aims to transform immunologically “cold” tumors, which typically resist immune responses, into “hot” tumors with strong immunogenic activity.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formalized during the Global Health Exhibition 2025 at KFSHRC’s pavilion.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Majid Alfayyadh, CEO of KFSHRC, and Dr. Andrew Bartynski, CEO of Kopra Bio, Inc.

This collaborative effort aims to explore a value-based partnership in which KFSHRC will provide in-kind contributions.

In return, KFSHRC will gain equity participation in Kopra Bio, aligning the strategic and financial interests of both parties.

Under this MoU, both partners will work together to advance Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling studies that pave the way for clinical trials.

 The collaboration focuses heavily on scaling up the manufacturing of clinical-grade viral vectors.

It also ensures the preparation of regulatory submissions to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).

 A Phase 1/2a clinical trial will be launched in Saudi Arabia to test this therapy on patients with recurrent glioblastoma, a challenging brain cancer.

Moreover, this partnership lays the foundation for technology transfer and capacity building within Saudi Arabia’s healthcare and research sectors.

The three-year agreement is structured as a non-exclusive framework to help translate innovative oncology platforms from early concept phases to clinical application.

The partnership encourages the sharing of scientific knowledge, the development of local expertise, and the high-quality execution of clinical trials through KFSHRC’s specialized Centers of Excellence.

KFSHRC is a leading institution in the region, ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and fifteenth worldwide among the top 250 academic medical centers in 2025.

 It has received significant recognition from Brand Finance as the most valuable healthcare brand in the region.

Additionally, KFSHRC is featured in Newsweek’s listings for the World’s Best Hospitals 2025, Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and Best Specialized Hospitals 2026.

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