DoH Partners With UCSF And IGI To Establish Innovative Genome Surgery Centres

The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi (DoH) has partnered with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) to explore setting up genome surgery centres in Abu Dhabi and California. This collaboration aims to advance genomic medicine and personalised genetic therapy, potentially transforming healthcare worldwide.

Genome surgery is an experimental field focused on correcting faulty genes using advanced technologies like CRISPR. The proposed centres will diagnose and treat severe genetic conditions early, improving outcomes for patients with inherited diseases. Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of DoH, stated that this partnership would integrate genome-guided care into Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system, reducing chronic disease progression and long-term costs.

By combining Abu Dhabi’s genomic data capabilities with UCSF’s expertise in paediatric and fetal therapy and IGI’s gene editing research, the partnership aims to develop real-world solutions for sustainable patient care. Dr Tippi MacKenzie from UCSF highlighted the opportunity to create mirrored programmes across both regions, linking diagnosis to safe genome surgery implementation.

The initiative also seeks to train Emirati professionals in genomic surgery, enhancing local capacity and offering early intervention options to reduce lifelong treatment needs. Dr Fyodor Urnov from IGI noted the significance of administering a CRISPR treatment to an infant earlier this year. He emphasised that IGI's collaboration with Danaher provides a technological foundation for expanding this care model.

This exploratory partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision to incorporate genomics into public health and shift towards preventive care. The Emirati Genome Programme has sequenced over 800,000 genomes, creating one of the world’s most diverse national databases. Achievements include a pharmacogenomics reporting system with over 160,000 personalised reports and genetic integration in premarital and newborn screening.

A delegation led by DoH visited the United States from 15th to 21st June 2025. They held over 20 meetings with public and private sector leaders to advance health innovation and sign new agreements. Participants included entities like the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and startAD.

Training Local Professionals in Genomic Surgery

The partnership may allow expansion of CRISPR on demand to children in the UAE through collaboration with UCSF and DoH. More than 100 Emirati physicians have been trained in genomic medicine and counselling. Additionally, Abu Dhabi introduced CRISPR-Cas9 therapy for sickle cell disease through CASGEVY while its oncology precision medicine programme has provided personalised care to over 250 cancer patients.

This collaboration supports Abu Dhabi's efforts to lead in genomic medicine by embedding genomics into public health strategies. It aims to transform healthcare delivery globally by focusing on preventive care through early diagnosis and intervention for genetic conditions.

With inputs from WAM