The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing rapid growth in its clinical research sector, driven by evolving regulatory frameworks and strategic government initiatives. Rohan Simon, Associate Director of Business Development at IROS by M42, highlighted these developments at the Outsourcing in Clinical Trials Conference in New England.
Government Engagement and Public-Private Partnerships
The number of clinical trials in the UAE is increasing, supported by strong government engagement. According to GlobalData, there are 77 ongoing clinical trials in the UAE as of October 25. Simon noted, "There are lots of public-private partnerships to drive growth, there are a lot of family venture capital offices."
Emirati Genome Programme
The Emirati Genome Programme is a key tool in assessing the market potential for therapeutics in the region. This program sequences the genomes of Emirati citizens to facilitate personalized and preventive care. The program's diverse genomic data, reflecting the UAE's population comprising 90% expatriates and 10% local Emiratis, is particularly valuable. IROS has utilized this program to determine the feasibility of conducting clinical studies for rare diseases by identifying sufficiently large patient populations.
Patient Recruitment Advantages
Patient recruitment in the UAE is facilitated by a healthcare culture where patients are inclined to follow physician guidance, enhancing participation in clinical trials. This cultural dynamic contributes to the efficiency of clinical research.
Investment in Pharma
The UAE government is actively investing in emerging pharmaceutical companies to foster local research capabilities. Simon stated, "They [UAE government] are very much interested in investment into upcoming pharma companies in the hope of driving research here." The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a significant increase in clinical trials for vaccine testing, and regulators aim to sustain this momentum.
