M42, a tech-enabled health company based in Abu Dhabi, has partnered with AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, to advance preventive cancer care and precision medicine. The collaboration aims to conduct sequencing of hereditary breast cancer genes to develop personalized care strategies for patients. Breast cancer is a prevalent disease among women globally and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the UAE.
By analyzing cancer genes, the partnership between M42 and AstraZeneca seeks to determine each patient’s genetic risk for cancer, enabling early preventive measures to be explored before cancer develops. This initiative is one of the first companion diagnostics programs in the Gulf region, aiming to optimize drug-based interventions for personalized cancer care. The program will serve patients in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, deputy group chief operating officer at M42, highlighted the importance of personalized cancer treatment and preventive medicine in improving patient outcomes. The collaboration between M42 and AstraZeneca represents a significant advancement in personalized precision medicine research in the field of cancer. AstraZeneca aims to enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the overall health and well-being of individuals, society, and the environment.
The sequencing of cancer genes will be conducted at M42’s Omics Centre of Excellence, a leading multi-omics research facility dedicated to generating advanced genomics knowledge. The center has played a crucial role in the Emirati Genome Programme, one of the largest population genomic initiatives globally. The study will focus on patients from non-Western populations in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar to enhance genomics knowledge in underrepresented groups.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will be the first hospital to collect genomics data from consenting patients under the agreement between M42 and AstraZeneca. This collaboration signifies a step towards advancing preventive cancer care and precision medicine in the region. By leveraging cutting-edge genomics expertise, the partnership aims to improve patient outcomes and support the development of personalized cancer treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles.
Overall, the collaboration between M42 and AstraZeneca represents a significant milestone in the field of cancer research and personalized precision medicine. Through the sequencing of cancer genes and personalized care strategies, the initiative aims to enhance preventive cancer care and improve patient outcomes in the UAE and beyond. This pioneering program underscores the importance of leveraging advanced technologies to drive innovation in the healthcare sector and support the development of personalized treatment approaches for cancer patients.
