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King Fahd Medical City, Boston Oncology Sign MoU for Localization of Gene and Target Cell Therapy

The MoU was signed by King Fahd Medical City Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fahad AlGhofaili and Boston Oncology Chief Executive Director Dr. Abdullah Bajaaj. SPA
The MoU was signed by King Fahd Medical City Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fahad AlGhofaili and Boston Oncology Chief Executive Director Dr. Abdullah Bajaaj. SPA
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King Fahd Medical City, Boston Oncology Sign MoU for Localization of Gene and Target Cell Therapy

The MoU was signed by King Fahd Medical City Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fahad AlGhofaili and Boston Oncology Chief Executive Director Dr. Abdullah Bajaaj. SPA
The MoU was signed by King Fahd Medical City Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fahad AlGhofaili and Boston Oncology Chief Executive Director Dr. Abdullah Bajaaj. SPA

Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd Medical City and Boston Oncology have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a project to localize gene and target cell therapy.

The project will be held at King Fahd Medical City, one of the components of the Riyadh Second Health Cluster, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Monday.
The MoU was signed by King Fahd Medical City Chief Executive Officer Dr. Fahad AlGhofaili and Boston Oncology Chief Executive Director Dr. Abdullah Bajaaj.

The Saudi Deputy Minister for Planning and Development Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih attended the signing ceremony at the Saudi Ministry of Health.

AlGhofaili affirmed that the MoU aligns with the Medical City's plans towards the objectives of the Saudi Transformation Program in Healthcare Sector, which contributes to the enhancement of advanced healthcare services provided through the localization of modern techniques in treatment.

"The localization of therapeutic technology in the Kingdom is one of our main goals, which aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 regarding health transformation programs,” SPA quoted AlGhofaili as saying.

“Therefore, we seek to develop local capabilities in the field of advanced medical treatment and technologies by enhancing cooperation with national and international institutions,” he added.

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'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
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'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS

An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru's Amazon, according to Conservation International.

Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week.

He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.

The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.

"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo," Larsen said.

The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.

"It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with," Larsen said.

Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 in).

"(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast," Larsen said. "It jumps quickly and hides in the trees."

Another favorite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish, he said.

A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.

Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.

"Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape ... there's a strong chance they won't persist in the long term," Larsen said.