M42 Announces Strategic Partnership With Juvenescence To Develop AI-Enabled Therapeutics

M42, a leader in global health powered by AI, technology, and genomics, has announced a strategic investment in Juvenescence. This partnership was revealed during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), held from 15 to 17 April at ADNEC. M42 is a Foundational Partner for the second year. The collaboration aims to develop AI-enabled therapeutics to extend healthy lifespans and treat life-threatening diseases.

The partnership highlights M42's dedication to enhancing its drug discovery and development capabilities. This follows the establishment of its Integrated Health Solutions and Life Sciences platforms under a new operating structure. By combining M42’s expertise in genomics, biobanking, and clinical trials with Juvenescence’s advanced AI discovery technology, the collaboration seeks breakthroughs in life sciences research.

Dr Fahed Al Marzooqi, CEO of M42’s Integrated Health Solutions platform, stated that the partnership with Juvenescence is pivotal for redefining healthcare through AI-driven drug discovery. He emphasised that merging AI innovation with biotech expertise advances the fight against age-related diseases while building a global ecosystem for prevention and precision medicine.

Juvenescence's team of globally recognised scientists will work with M42 to create an innovative therapeutics pipeline. With over 150 years of combined experience in drug discovery and development, they aim to enhance disease understanding and precision medicine. This effort builds on M42's genomics expertise developed alongside the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH).

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group CEO at M42, expressed enthusiasm about reinforcing Abu Dhabi as a hub for AI-enabled therapeutics. He noted that partnering with Juvenescence unlocks AI's potential to transform drug discovery and delivery. "This is not just about innovation; it’s about impact – on lives, on science and on the future of health," he said.

The collaboration will see both companies exploring R&D opportunities with leading academic institutions worldwide. A Joint Steering Committee composed of senior executives from both entities will oversee this partnership's execution. The initiative supports M42’s biotechnology strategy development in Abu Dhabi.

Building a Life Sciences Hub

M42’s Omics Center of Excellence supports the Emirati Genome Project (EGP), which has sequenced over 800,000 genomes aiming for one million local Emiratis. Additionally, M42’s Abu Dhabi Biobank (ADBB) holds over 900,000 samples for future biomedical research in the UAE and beyond.

This partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi's vision to become a world-class destination for health innovation. It aims to establish a life sciences hub as part of its economic diversification agenda. The collaboration between M42 and Juvenescence is expected to drive significant advancements in disease understanding globally.

Dr Richard Marshall, CEO at Juvenescence, expressed delight in collaborating with M42: "This powerful partnership will combine M42’s expertise in AI, technology, and genomics with Juvenescence’s unrivalled ability to discover and develop innovative drugs for age-related disease." Their joint efforts aim to create therapeutics targeting age-related diseases' underlying causes.

With inputs from WAM