The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Novartis Middle East FZE at the BIO 2024 International Convention to advance genomics research and precision medicine initiatives. The partnership aims to develop solutions across multiple therapeutic areas, with a primary focus on clinical genomics research for real-world evidence (RWE) and radioligand therapy (RLT) for cancer patients.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, and Ibrahim Aqel, Head of Government Affairs and Value & Access – Gulf at Novartis, with Thierry Diagana, Head of Global Health and California Sites Head at Novartis Biomedical Research, in attendance.
Strategic Focus Areas
The collaboration will utilize Abu Dhabi's established genomics capabilities and regulatory framework to advance clinical research in several key therapeutic domains:
- Genomics Research: Joint exploration of innovative solutions in oncology, cardiovascular disease, and neuroscience
- Radioligand Therapy: Generation and dissemination of evidence to support awareness and understanding of RLT, a form of precision nuclear medicine for advanced cancer treatment
- Emirati Genome Programme: Support through collaboration to raise awareness of genetic and rare diseases
- Health Technology Assessment: Improvement through facilitated partnership and shared best practices
"Novartis has been a long-standing partner to the Department of Health, and we are proud to explore these new areas of opportunity to collaborate for the ultimate benefit of patients in the region and beyond," said Dr. Al Mannaei. "We believe that this partnership will allow us to further accelerate the field of personalised and precision medicine across important therapeutic areas."
Expanding Abu Dhabi's Life Science Ecosystem
This partnership represents another significant step in Abu Dhabi's strategy to position itself as a global hub for life sciences and innovative research. The DoH-led delegation, headed by His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH, recently completed a visit to the United States between May 30th and June 6th, 2024, to showcase partnership opportunities and explore collaborations with leading organizations in research, development, manufacturing, and innovation.
Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of Gulf countries for Novartis, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: "This partnership represents a significant milestone in advancing research and innovation in healthcare, particularly in the fields of oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and neuroscience. Novartis is committed to supporting the development of clinical research capabilities in Abu Dhabi, generating real-world evidence, and raising awareness about radioligand therapy."
Building on Genomics Momentum
The Novartis partnership follows another recent strategic alliance announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, where DoH and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) signed an MoU with GSK to establish a Multi-omics Research Institute in Abu Dhabi. This institute will focus on accelerating oncology-focused genomic science and precision medicine.
The Multi-omics Research Institute aims to embed early-stage discovery research within the UAE for the first time, leveraging Abu Dhabi's biotechnology and genomics infrastructure to enhance diversity in genomic research and improve cancer patient outcomes.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, described the GSK initiative as "a defining step in Abu Dhabi's evolution as a global centre for health innovation," highlighting how embedding discovery-stage science into the ecosystem supports critical oncology research while reinforcing the emirate's leadership in health innovation, biotechnology, and precision medicine.
Advancing Personalized Medicine
Both partnerships reflect Abu Dhabi's commitment to advancing personalized and precision medicine through international collaboration. By combining expertise with global pharmaceutical leaders like Novartis and GSK, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself at the forefront of genomic research and innovative healthcare solutions.
These strategic partnerships are expected to accelerate the development of targeted therapies and diagnostic approaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes in the region and contributing to global advancements in precision medicine.
