Abu Dhabi Integrates APOE Genetic Testing To Enhance Precision Medicine For Alzheimer’s Patients

Abu Dhabi is advancing personalised healthcare by incorporating APOE genetic testing for Alzheimer's into its pharmacogenomics (PGx) reports. This initiative allows healthcare providers to tailor Alzheimer's treatments based on individual genetics, enhancing safety and effectiveness. Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurological disorder, leads to memory loss and cognitive decline. The World Health Organisation identifies it as the primary cause of dementia globally, with over 10 million new cases annually.

The integration of APOE E4 genotyping into PGx reports is a collaborative effort between the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) and M42’s Biogenix Lab. This marks a significant step in precision medicine. Patients with two copies of APOE E4 may face severe side effects from anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies, such as brain swelling or bleeding. Identifying these genetic risks allows clinicians to personalise treatment plans, minimising adverse reactions.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, stated, "The inclusion of APOE E4 genotyping in PGx report reflects our commitment to providing the best-in-class care for our communities through genetic profiling and precision therapies. This reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation, driven by genomics-based healthcare solutions."

PGx reports help customise treatments by analysing how the body metabolises medications and their effects. Covering 22 pharmacogenes and 183 medications, these insights optimise drug selection and reduce adverse reactions. The initiative is part of the Emirati Genome Programme (EGP), which aims to build a comprehensive genetic database for tailored treatments.

Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, CEO of Integrated Health Solutions at M42, commented on this development: "The integration of pharmacogenomics into clinical care marks a transformative step towards precision medicine in Abu Dhabi. By embedding these insights directly into patient records, we are equipping healthcare providers with actionable data to enhance treatment safety and efficacy."

The PGx reports are accessible to all physicians in Abu Dhabi via Malaffi, DoH’s health information exchange. Currently available for conditions like cancer, mental health disorders, respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, neurological diseases, pain management, and now Alzheimer’s. This initiative sets a new standard for population genomics.

The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi and M42’s Biogenix Lab are committed to updating pharmacogenomics tools regularly to incorporate the latest scientific advancements. This ensures continuous improvements in patient care while maintaining Abu Dhabi's leadership in medical innovation.

With inputs from WAM