The Pharma, Innovation & Leadership Fellowship for The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This module charts the early stages of the pharmaceutical development pipeline: from identifying new therapeutic molecules to thorough preclinical assessment, culminating in clinical trial design. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, robust regulatory compliance, and the use of technology to enhance trial accuracy, data integrity, and patient safety. By examining the complete process—from lab bench to clinical evaluation—participants gain a comprehensive view of how new medicines are brought to market.

Focusing on the regulatory landscape, this module provides an in-depth look at the pharmaceutical drug life cycle, from initial marketing authorisation to global approval processes. Participants will learn how to navigate agency interactions, manage critical regulatory documentation, and ensure ongoing compliance throughout a product’s life. The session also introduces essential mindset strategies, fostering resilience and adaptability in a highly regulated environment.

This session explores how biotechnology and healthtech are reshaping the pharmaceutical sector. Fellows will learn how innovations in digital health, data analytics, AI, and wearable technology are boosting drug efficacy and transforming patient care. Real-world case studies illustrate how these cutting-edge tools facilitate faster drug discovery, more accurate diagnostics, and improved treatment monitoring.

Medical affairs serves as a vital bridge between clinical and commercial functions in pharma. This module explores the strategies and responsibilities critical to patient safety, including scientific communication, stakeholder engagement, and medical education. Participants will develop the skills needed to convey complex clinical data to diverse audiences—from healthcare providers and regulatory bodies to patients—while learning best practices for relationship-building across the industry.

This module provides an in-depth look at the financial and strategic considerations vital to launching and sustaining pharmaceutical products in global markets. Participants will examine core health economics principles—cost-effectiveness, budget impact analyses, and pricing strategies—and discover how to navigate reimbursement pathways and negotiations with payers. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating value through economic data and adapting strategies to different healthcare systems, including KSA and wider GCC contexts.

This module explores the intricacies of pharmaceutical marketing and sales, including strategies for positioning brands, developing impactful campaigns, and integrating digital and traditional approaches. Special attention is given to ethical standards, regulatory compliance, and how market access considerations shape marketing efforts. Fellows will gain insights into the evolving dynamics of pharma sales and the growing importance of customer relationship management in a competitive marketplace.

In the final week, participants will showcase their learnings at the BiteLabs: Pharma and Life Sciences Summit in Riyadh. This event features prominent industry leaders, topical panel discussions, and provides a platform for fellows to present the projects they’ve developed throughout the eight-week programme. In addition to gaining valuable feedback from key stakeholders, participants will formally receive their certificates and join the BiteLabs Pharma & Life Sciences Alumni Community—a powerful network for future collaborations.