DoH, M42 and AbbVie enter a strategic partnership to advance personalised medicine and genomics

20 Jun, 2023:

On the side-lines of its participation at the BIO International Convention 2023 in Boston, USA, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AbbVie Biopharmaceutical, and M42 to elevate collaborative efforts in tailoring personalised medicine and genomics in Abu Dhabi. 

The MoU was signed by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Center at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Francesco Redivo, Senior Director at G42 Healthcare, a M42 company, and Hala Dalle, Medical Director Gulf & Levant at AbbVie Biopharmaceutical at the AbbVie Bioresearch Center in Boston. 

Through this agreement, the three parties aim to advance precision medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In line with its efforts as the regulator of the healthcare sector, DoH seeks to drive research that will contribute to policy changes and guideline implementation which will enable broader patient access to innovative approaches in healthcare. 

The strategic cooperation aims to maximise on the Emirate’s unique genomics programme and translate scientific advancements into tangible patient benefits, focusing on precision medicine tailored to individual needs. Reinforcing the Emirate’s position as a leading destination for life sciences and innovation, the agreement will leverage Real-World Evidence (RWE) to advance care delivery and assess the effectiveness of patient support programmes and therapeutic innovations. The partnership aims to evaluate the impact of these interventions on patient outcomes and make data-driven decisions to continuously improve the quality of care delivered to patients.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Center at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “It is with no doubt that personalised medicine and genomics hold the transformative potential to reshape the delivery of care and improve outcomes. Abu Dhabi continues to harness the power of these fields to unlock a new era of healthcare where every patient’s journey is guided by their own genetic blueprint, leading to enhanced quality of life and a brighter future for generations to come.” 

Dr. Al Mannaei added: “We are proud to witness yet another collaboration with prestigious partners in the biopharma industry during our participation at BIO 2023. Under the directives of our wise leadership, Abu Dhabi has long realised the importance of private-public dialogue to address global challenges and advance healthcare for all. Global collaboration is vital to unlocking the vast potential of personalised medicine and genomics, empowering us to revolutionise world-class and tailored healthcare for communities around the world. Through our agreement with AbbVie Biopharmaceutical and M42, we seek to unify efforts, unite expertise and resources, diversify perspectives to accelerate breakthroughs and enhance accessibility for all patients.” 

Hassan Sabbah, General Manager AbbVie Gulf & Levant said: “This partnership aims to advance precision medicine in the diagnosis and treatment to help enable broader patient access in UAE to innovative therapies. Our efforts are progressing to launch several initiatives that support research and clinical trials and develop innovative solutions to deal effectively with local and regional health needs, challenges, and burdens.”

Furthermore, as part of its preventive healthcare efforts, the Capital launched the region’s first Personalised Precision Medicine Programme for oncology, last year. The Programme integrates predictive, personalised and precision medicine using genomics to transform diagnostics, drug therapy and prevention and tailor it to the needs specific to individuals. Positioning Abu Dhabi at the center of medical innovation, the programme uses science-based risk assessment and tailored prevention care plans aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients. 

Francesco Redivo, Senior Director at G42 Healthcare, a M42 company said: “I am proud to witness how our vision of realizing personalized healthcare is progressing forward as we strengthen our commitments with like-minded pharma businesses like Abbvie who are known to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that enhance people’s lives. Our collaboration will be built on joint efforts to advance precision medicine by harnessing real-world evidence and real-world data capabilities, shaping innovative solutions around access to care and translating scientific advancements into tangible patient benefits by maximizing the potential of the Emirati Genome Programme.”

In line with the Emirate’s efforts to lead on personalised and preventive healthcare, Abu Dhabi is home to the largest genomics programme. The Emirati Genome Programme aims to explore the genetic makeup of Emiratis, using cutting-edge DNA sequencing and artificial intelligence technologies to generate quality and comprehensive genomic data about Emiratis. To date, the programme has collected and sequenced over 430,000 genome samples, positioning the Capital at the forefront of genomics research. In 2022, the Emirate witnessed a 484% increase in clinical trials processed and conducted in Abu Dhabi, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of community members through breakthrough research and innovations. 
Led by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), a high-profile Abu Dhabi delegation visited the United States of America (USA) between June 1st, 2023 and June 8th, 2023 to showcase the Emirate’s partnership opportunities and explore collaboration with leading organisations in Research and Development (R&D), manufacturing and innovation.

Kicking-off in Washington DC, delegates met with existing partners and fostered fresh collaboration with governmental bodies and health-tech giants. The transnational mission culminated in Boston, coinciding with Abu Dhabi’s participation at BIO International Convention 2023 to exhibit the Emirate’s growth and development of its biotechnology industry. The Participation witnessed in-depth discussions, shared insights and expertise as well as explored collaborations in health-tech, life science and innovation. 

Highlighting the rich diversity and expertise within Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem, the Delegation comprised of 12 key entities including the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Etihad Cargo, KEZAD Group as part of Abu Dhabi Ports (AD Ports), Acino as part of Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) M42, Mubadala Investment Company, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Pure Health and Daman. The Abu Dhabi delegation brought together over 46 prominent stakeholders from diverse sectors, exemplifying the region’s commitment to innovation, knowledge exchange and international collaboration. 

Abu Dhabi continues to work in unison with global strategic partners to set the stage for a future driven by healthcare technology, innovation and artificial intelligence, as part of its transformation strategy to further enhance healthcare outcomes. The Emirate is working closely with key global players in the biopharmaceutical industry to boost local and global capabilities in life science and real-world evidence, digital health and supply chain, cementing its position as a leading destination in healthcare.