Abu Dhabi Joins Forces With Novartis To Advance Genomics Research In Oncology

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the healthcare sector regulator in the emirate, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Novartis Middle East FZE, a global pharmaceutical company. This agreement was formalised during their participation at the BIO 2024 International Convention.

Under the MoU, both entities will collaborate to advance solutions in multiple therapeutic areas. The primary focus areas include advancing clinical genomics research for real-world evidence (RWE) and generating and disseminating evidence to support the understanding of radioligand therapy (RLT) for cancer patients.

The MoU 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. The signing took place in the presence of Thierry Diagana, Head of Global Health and California Sites Head at Novartis Biomedical Research.

This collaboration will leverage Abu Dhabi’s genomics expertise and its agile regulatory framework to collaborate on future clinical research and the generation of RWE. The partnership will explore innovative solutions and genomics research in oncology, cardiovascular disease, and neuroscience.

Additionally, both parties will work together to generate and disseminate evidence to support awareness and understanding of RLT. This form of precision nuclear medicine may recognise and treat disease in patients with advanced cancers. Key stakeholders include policymakers, healthcare professionals, and patient organisations.

Statements from Key Figures

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei stated, "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. We believe that this partnership will allow us to further accelerate the field of personalised and precision medicine across important therapeutic areas."

Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of Gulf countries for Novartis, added, "We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi through the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding. This partnership represents a significant milestone in advancing research and innovation in healthcare."

Support for Local Health Needs

Under the MoU, Novartis will also work with DoH to explore innovative solutions for local and regional health needs. This includes supporting the Emirati Genome Programme by raising awareness of genetic and rare diseases for the benefit of patients in Abu Dhabi and the broader region.

The final focus area is supporting the further improvement of Health Technology Assessment through facilitated partnership and shared best practices.

Novartis is committed to supporting the development of clinical research capabilities in Abu Dhabi, generating real-world evidence, and raising awareness about radioligand therapy. The collaboration aims to drive innovation and enhance Health Technology Assessment capabilities in the region.

This partnership is expected to contribute significantly to personalised and precision medicine, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

With inputs from WAM