Personalised medicine a step closer as 800,000 Emiratis contribute to genome programme
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UAE
Emirati Genome Programme aims to collect DNA and blood samples from a million citizens to revolutionise health care
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Al Etihad
19-06-2025
- Al Etihad
Department of Health - Abu Dhabi highlights sickle cell awareness efforts
19 June 2025 14:30 ABU DHABI (WAM)Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, affirmed that World Sickle Cell Day, marked annually on 19th June, is a vital occasion to raise awareness about the disease, support patients and their families, and shed light on efforts aimed at reducing its health and social Al Mannaei told WAM that Sickle cell disease remains a significant public health concern globally, affecting the quality of life for patients and placing long-term pressure on families. "At the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, we are committed to reshaping that reality through innovation, early detection and personalised care. Our mission is to foster a healthy population, deliver best-in-class care, and drive continuous resilience and innovation."Dr. Al Mannaei added, "Supported by powerful Artificial Intelligence tools, driven by data and genomic sciences, we are building a system that predicts, prevents and acts.""Our efforts begin with prevention. Through the Premarital Genetic Screening Programme, we empower couples to make informed decisions that help reduce the prevalence of genetic conditions such as sickle cell in future generations."She continued, 'We then move to prediction, where we are shifting from a reactive approach to proactive and personalised care approach for sickle cell, by utilising platforms such as the Emirati Genome Programme. By integrating sickle cell disease in the newly launched Newborn Genetic Screening Programme, we can ensure early detection, timely intervention and healthier outcomes for families across the Emirate.'Dr. Al Mannaei also praised the introduction of innovative treatments. In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre and global partner Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the Department has introduced CASGEVY, a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing therapy for patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia."This marks the first time this cutting-edge treatment is available in the UAE," she added that, beyond treatment, investment in scientific research remains a top priority. In partnership with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an, and through the Research and Innovation Fund, the Department is supporting research that addresses key healthcare priorities. One of the grant awardees received funding for research focused on anaemia and sickle cell disease, examining their impact on healthspan.
Al Etihad
15-06-2025
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi reinforces global leadership in healthcare innovation with high-level US visit
15 June 2025 17:41 ABU DHABI (WAM) A high-level delegation led by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), is set to embark on a strategic mission to the United States from June 14-21, visit reaffirms Abu Dhabi's global leadership in healthcare innovation and reflects its broader vision for healthcare transformation—driven by innovation, investment, and a deep commitment to global delegation will visit key US cities including Boston, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, in parallel with Abu Dhabi's participation at BIO International Convention 2025, one of the world's foremost biotechnology visit will spotlight the Emirate's achievements in AI, digital health, genomics, and clinical research and showcase Abu Dhabi's Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Life Science Cluster, while promoting long-term strategic partnerships with government entities, research institutions, and global Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, stated, 'This mission reflects our commitment to shaping the future of health through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. Our vision is to build a health system that predicts, prevents, acts to restore, and acts to cure, therefore ensuring better outcomes for our communities and beyond. "This can only be achieved through meaningful partnerships and a shared ambition to improve lives. We are proud to join our partners in the United States to explore new opportunities that advance healthcare, both in the UAE and globally.'The delegation will conduct over 20 strategic meetings and visits with public and private sector leaders across the US, aimed at knowledge exchange, investment opportunities, and the signing of new agreements that accelerate the adoption of advanced health Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem, the delegation includes key stakeholders such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, and Etihad Dhabi continues to lead the region in genomics through the Emirati Genome Programme, which has successfully sequenced over 800,000 samples, creating one of the most advanced national genomic databases. The Emirate is also home to more than 90 licenced research centers and 30+ ongoing clinical trials in areas such as oncology, rare diseases, and chronic conditions. Advanced data platforms such as Malaffi, which securely store over 5 million patient records—enable AI-powered insights and real-world evidence, while national initiatives like the Golden Visa programme are cultivating a global workforce and have granted over 2,000 long-term visas for researchers and healthcare professionals from around the world.
The National
17-04-2025
- The National
Personalised medicine a step closer as 800,000 Emiratis contribute to genome programme
News UAE Emirati Genome Programme aims to collect DNA and blood samples from a million citizens to revolutionise health care
