The College of Medicine at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Cellenkos, Inc. to advance collaboration in clinical trials, cell and gene therapies, biomanufacturing technologies and related fields.
The agreement was announced by Cellenkos, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Houston. The College of Medicine was represented at the signing by its Dean, Dr. Reem AlHarbi. Cellenkos was represented by its Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Tara Sadeghi.
The collaboration covers curriculum design, development of training programmes, virtual training sessions, live seminars and workshops focused on clinical trials. It also creates opportunities for students to receive training in scientific research.
According to the companies, the MoU seeks to strengthen international partnerships in education, training and scientific research. It aims to develop qualified professionals in clinical trials and cell and gene therapies, and to improve communication and collaboration in support of human capability development.
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Cellenkos expressed thanks to the Ministry of Investment, Saudi Arabia (MISA) for supporting the initiative. The memorandum was signed at the Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit organised with the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. Under the agreement, the inaugural workshop is planned for the first quarter of 2027.
Cellenkos is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing allogeneic, tissue-directed, cord blood-derived T-regulatory cell therapies intended to resolve inflammation in autoimmune, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University is the largest public women’s university in the world. Established in 1970, it offers diploma, bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees across 34 colleges in Riyadh and neighbouring cities. It also operates an Arabic Language Institute for non-speakers, a Deanship of Community Service and Continuous Education, and a Community College. The university employs more than 5,000 academic and administrative staff.
The partnership reflects shared interest in building expertise in emerging areas of medical biotechnology. By combining the university’s educational platform with Cellenkos’ focus on cell and gene therapy development, the two parties intend to support training and research activities that align with regional priorities in healthcare innovation.
The inclusion of curriculum design and structured training programmes is intended to prepare students and professionals for roles in clinical research and advanced therapy development. Virtual sessions, seminars and workshops will form part of the early implementation, with the first workshop scheduled for early 2027.
Officials from both organisations described the MoU as a step toward closer international academic-industry links. The involvement of the Ministry of Investment was noted as important support for the initiative. Signing the document at the Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit placed the agreement within a wider gathering focused on medical biotechnology developments in the region.
The agreement does not disclose financial terms or specific project timelines beyond the planned inaugural workshop. It centres on educational cooperation, professional training and research collaboration in the defined areas of clinical trials and cell and gene therapies.
Further details on programme content and participation pathways are expected to be developed as the partnership moves into its implementation phase in 2027.
