BETHESDA, Md., August 6, 2026

Northwest Biotherapeutics announced that it has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries and Medical Appliances Corporation (SPIMACO) to explore a potential collaboration to bring DCVax-L, the company’s personalized dendritic cell-based immunotherapy, to Saudi Arabia for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). The proposed collaboration would cover regulatory approval, commercialization, product supply, and technology transfer, with the potential to expand into additional indications and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. The companies also plan to explore localized manufacturing of DCVax-L in Saudi Arabia, subject to definitive agreements.

SPIMACO to Support Potential Saudi Regulatory and Commercial Activities

Under the proposed framework, SPIMACO would be expected to work with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) on the potential regulatory approval of DCVax-L for glioblastoma and serve as Northwest Biotherapeutics’ commercial partner for marketing, sales, and distribution in Saudi Arabia. Northwest Biotherapeutics would provide regulatory data and scientific support while retaining ownership of its intellectual property and producing and supplying DCVax-L. The contemplated arrangement would operate under a revenue-sharing model, although the commercial terms remain subject to definitive agreements.

Collaboration Includes Potential Localized DCVax-L Manufacturing

A key element of the proposed partnership is technology transfer and localization. The companies intend to negotiate a separate license and technology-transfer arrangement that could eventually enable localized manufacturing of DCVax-L in Saudi Arabia. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and develop the Kingdom into a regional and global hub for biotechnology and life sciences. Any manufacturing arrangement would remain subject to further negotiations and execution of definitive agreements.

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DCVax-L Program Continues International Development

Northwest Biotherapeutics’ lead program, DCVax-L, is a personalized dendritic cell-based immunotherapy being developed for glioblastoma, an aggressive form of primary brain cancer. The company has completed a 331-patient Phase 3 trial of DCVax-L for GBM and has reported the results in scientific meetings and in JAMA Oncology. Northwest Biotherapeutics has also submitted a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) in the United Kingdom, which remains under review. The company is additionally developing DCVax-Direct for inoperable solid tumors and has completed a 40-patient Phase 1 trial, with Phase 2 planning underway.

Source:Northwest Biotherapeutics, release