M42, a global health leader powered by technology, has announced a strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca and SOPHiA GENETICS to bring cutting-edge liquid biopsy testing to the UAE, marking a significant advancement in precision oncology for the region. The partnership aims to advance cancer diagnosis, inform treatment decisions, and enable faster, accurate biomarker testing across a broad range of cancers through a more cost-effective and less invasive approach.
Technology Integration and Implementation
As part of the collaboration, M42 will integrate SOPHiA GENETICS' MSK-ACCESS®, powered with SOPHiA DDM™ technology, into its testing infrastructure. This integration enables non-invasive genomic profiling of cancers through a simple blood draw, complementing routine cancer screenings rather than replacing them. The technology is specifically designed for patients who are unable to undergo a solid tumor biopsy, enabling them to be matched with precision therapy tailored to their specific cancer profile.
Over the next 12 months, the partnership will enable liquid biopsy testing access across select leading hospitals across the UAE. This approach provides patients with faster, less invasive biomarker insights compared to traditional tissue biopsies, while also strengthening testing infrastructure and capabilities for a wide range of cancers in the UAE.
Target Cancers and Clinical Timeline
The new testing program will initially target lung, ovarian, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, among others, addressing some of the most critical cancer burdens in the region. Validation studies are set to commence shortly at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone toward the full clinical launch planned for the latter part of Q2 2025.
The collaboration is expected to serve as a foundation for broader expansion across the Middle East, excluding Saudi Arabia, delivering world-class precision oncology solutions to a wider population over time.
Industry Leadership Perspectives
Albarah El-khani, Senior Vice President, Operations, Integrated Health Solutions at M42, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership: "At M42, we are committed to transforming care through innovation and collaboration. By partnering with AstraZeneca and SOPHiA GENETICS, we are bringing world-class liquid biopsy technologies to the UAE, empowering clinicians to deliver more precise and less invasive cancer care. This collaboration reflects our vision of democratizing health by making advanced diagnostics accessible to more patients, supporting not just early diagnosis but also real-time treatment monitoring and cost-effective, precise, predictive, and personalized care."
Sameh El Fangary, Cluster President GCC, AstraZeneca, highlighted the company's commitment to precision medicine: "At AstraZeneca, we are leading the way in the application of precision medicine. Our work, and our collaborations with partners across industry, are driving towards better treatments for patients as well as a more sustainable future for healthcare systems. Through our latest partnerships, we are committed to transforming cancer care for millions in the region by advancing early diagnosis and optimizing patient pathways from detection to therapy."
Ross Muken, President of SOPHiA GENETICS, emphasized the mission-driven nature of the collaboration: "Expanding access to advanced testing technologies is central to our mission at SOPHiA GENETICS. Partnering with M42 and AstraZeneca in the UAE allows us to equip healthcare providers with the tools they need to personalize care, monitor disease in real-time, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients across the region."
Healthcare Infrastructure Impact
The initiative represents a significant step forward in democratizing precision oncology by making advanced diagnostics accessible to patients who previously faced barriers to comprehensive genomic testing. The liquid biopsy approach offers particular advantages for patients unable to undergo traditional tissue biopsies, providing a pathway to personalized treatment options that were previously inaccessible.
The partnership leverages M42's extensive healthcare infrastructure, which includes more than 480 facilities in 26 countries and over 20,000 employees. M42's network encompasses renowned healthcare providers including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Danat Al Emarat, Diaverum, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital, and Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi.
