Lifera Omics Bolsters Leadership with Appointment of Renowned Geneticist
Lifera Omics, a subsidiary of Lifera launched in January 2024, is making significant strides in its mission to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position in the global multiomics landscape. The company has announced the appointment of Prof. Fowzan Sami Alkuraya, a distinguished Saudi human geneticist, as its Chief Medical and Genomics Officer. Prof. Alkuraya will also join the Board of Lifera Omics.
Prof. Alkuraya brings a wealth of experience in human genomics, spanning over 17 years. His expertise will be invaluable in driving Lifera Omics’ objectives. As a former Chairman of Translational Genomics at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh and current Professor of Human Genetics at Alfaisal University, Prof. Alkuraya has made substantial contributions to the field of genomics.
He has authored over 590 scientific publications in prestigious international journals and is a frequent speaker at global scientific conferences on genomic medicine and precision health. Prof. Alkuraya’s accolades include the William King Wilson Prize in Genetics from Harvard Medical School, the King Salman Award for Disability Research, and the Curt Stern Award from the American Society of Human Genetics – a testament to his exceptional contributions to the field. He has also received the Kwiat Prize for Basic Medical Science Subject Area and the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences.
Prof. Alkuraya’s postgraduate board certification from Harvard University and other board certifications demonstrate his commitment to excellence. His research has illuminated the physiological and structural functions of hundreds of genes, leading to the diagnosis of numerous genetic disorders. His groundbreaking discoveries have significantly advanced our understanding of the intricate relationship between human genes and health.
“We are delighted to welcome such a trusted and respected leader to the Lifera Omics Executive Leadership team,” stated Dr. Ibrahim Juffali, Chairman of Lifera. “Dr. Fowzan’s deep clinical and scientific expertise will be instrumental in helping Lifera achieve its mission to improve Saudi Arabia’s biopharma resilience and to enable the National Biotech Strategy.”
About Lifera
Lifera is a biopharma contract and development manufacturing organization (CDMO) entirely owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), established in 2023 and headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Lifera’s mission is to enhance Saudi Arabia’s biopharma resilience and facilitate the National Biotech Strategy. The company aims to commercialize, develop, and manufacture advanced therapeutics and other life-saving and essential medicines and vaccines.
In January 2023, Lifera acquired a majority stake in SaudiBio, a brownfield biologics drug product manufacturing plant in Riyadh. Lifera is currently upgrading this facility to global standards for commissioning in 2026, enabling it to contract manufacture insulins, biosimilars, and other biologics for leading global pharmaceutical companies serving the KSA and regional markets. Lifera is actively expanding its biomanufacturing capabilities and, through its subsidiary Lifera Omics, empowers its customers to develop and commercialize advanced therapeutics.
About Lifera Omics
Lifera Omics, a subsidiary of Lifera, was founded in January 2024 to develop at-scale multiomic dry and wet lab capacity meeting the highest global standards. The company is committed to supporting the genomics goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s National Biotech Strategy. Lifera Omics collaborates with customers to address their clinical, population health, and research and development needs. The company aspires to accelerate and enhance the accuracy of clinical diagnoses across healthcare systems in Saudi Arabia and to enable precision medicine for rare and common diseases through innovative, data-driven solutions. Lifera Omics leverages industry-leading diagnostic expertise and partnerships to achieve its goals.
For further information, please contact: contact@liferaomics.com.sa
