Latest news with #AsmaAlMannaei
Gulf Today
05-07-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
DoH advances paediatric cell and gene therapy
The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., to establish the Abu Dhabi - Children's National Hospital Cell and Gene Therapy Clinical Excellence Programme. The partnership marks a major step in advancing access to paediatric cell and gene therapies across the UAE. The agreement outlines joint fellowships, training programmes and workshops aimed at developing local expertise, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for innovation in life sciences. Dr Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, said the partnership reflects Abu Dhabi's integrated, patient-centred approach to healthcare. She added, "By combining global expertise with local ambition, we are building a care model that is sustainable, scalable and tailored to the needs of our youngest patients." Michelle Riley-Brown, President and CEO of Children's National, said the collaboration builds on a long-standing partnership with the UAE, aiming to fast-track the development of cutting-edge therapies and offer new hope to children and families. The initiative will drive development and delivery of advanced therapies such as Virus-Specific T-cell therapies (VST), with plans to establish Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant facilities, standardise treatment protocols, and streamline clinical trial systems in Abu Dhabi. The agreement also covers joint biobanking, data governance improvements and long-term patient care integration. A major component includes Emirati clinician-scientist fellowships and the co-development of specialised training in cellular immunotherapy and trial management. The partnership will introduce virtual tumour board sessions and hands-on training in cell therapy manufacturing, quality control, and clinical procedures. Complementary workshops will focus on Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs) and regulatory design, strengthening Abu Dhabi's healthcare workforce. The agreement follows a high-level Abu Dhabi delegation visit to the United States from 15th to 21st June, 2025, focused on health innovation and investment. Participants included the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, Etihad Cargo, NYU Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, MBZUAI and startAD. WAM
Al Etihad
03-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
For first time outside United States, Abu Dhabi approves, accelerates access to innovative treatment for IBD
3 July 2025 20:46 ABU DHABI (WAM)On the side-lines of Abu Dhabi's participation at BIO International Convention in Boston, USA, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, have successfully enabled expedited access to Tremfya®, a next-generation biologic medication for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).This strategic partnership marks the first availability of the treatment outside the United States, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a pioneering destination for healthcare innovation and advanced, patient-focused the recent US FDA approval for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and European Commission's approval for Crohn's disease, the DoH led efforts to accelerate local access through this three-way the supervision of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), SSMC's specialised IBD Centre will now administer Tremfya® to patients, offering a new standard of care for those living with chronic IBD Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH, Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, said, 'This collaboration exemplifies Abu Dhabi's commitment to pioneering healthcare advancements that transform patient care. By being the first outside the United States to offer Tremfya® for both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, we are reinforcing our dedication to strategic partnerships and innovative treatments that address chronic diseases. Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a leader in health innovation by enhancing patient outcomes and bringing novel treatment solutions to the region.'Consultant Gastroenterologist and Director of the IBD Service at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Dr. Mohammed Nabil Quraishi, commented on this milestone, "At SSMC, our goal is to be at the forefront of medical innovation, but the real success story is the immediate impact this has on our patients. Being the first in the country to administer this novel therapy was a vital first step, but to have already started treatment for 15 patients in under two months of its launch demonstrates the tangible, widespread benefit we can deliver. This rapid adoption and scale are a direct result of our high-volume tertiary care service, allowing our expert team to translate groundbreaking medical science into clinical practice without delay. We are not just treating IBD; we are defining a new, higher standard of care for the region."Managing Director at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Gulf, Pedro Matos Rosa, said, 'We are honoured to collaborate with Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and SSMC to facilitate fast access to innovative solution for IBD patients in the Emirate. This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding innovative solutions that can make a meaningful difference in IBD patients' lives.'The first patient in Abu Dhabi to receive Tremfya experienced notable improvement, with symptoms significantly declining despite longstanding treatment-resistant Crohn's disease. Although Tremfya's real world use for Crohn's is recent, clinical trial results demonstrate that it enhances patient outcomes and supports long-term treatment is a biologic therapy that targets key inflammatory pathways involved in IBD, offering patients a novel treatment option that is both precise and highly treatment is designed to help patients achieve clinical remission and reduce disease symptoms. It is the first and only fully human selective interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitor with a dual inhibition mechanism targeting both IL-23 and CD64. It is now approved for adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease as the first IL-23 inhibitor offering both subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) induction options for the treatment of these including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic inflammatory condition causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss. Its incidence is rising in the region. The age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) of IBD in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region increased from 2.9 per 100,000 in 1990 to 3.7 per 100,000 by 2019, representing an increase of approximately 30% over three IBD Centre distinguishes itself by its multidisciplinary team of internationally trained experts, encompassing specialists from gastroenterology, surgery, nutrition, nursing, psychology, and pharmacy – a comprehensive approach unique to few centres across the collaborative team utilises state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced diagnostic tools and a dedicated infusion suite. The integrated approach contributes to excellent clinical outcomes, with the majority of the patients achieving and maintaining rapid disease control. Additionally, SSMC IBD Centre, provides access to the latest treatments through active research programmes and clinical trials, and offers extensive patient education and support services, including a dedicated helpline and mental wellness support
Al Etihad
19-06-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
DoH, Sanofi partner to accelerate development of new global vaccines in Abu Dhabi
19 June 2025 16:08 BOSTON (WAM)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sanofi, a research and development-driven, AI-powered healthcare biopharma company at the BIO International Convention 2025, in Boston, collaboration will leverage the Emirate's health-tech ecosystem and advanced research infrastructure to drive the development of new global vaccines and strengthen regional capabilities in vaccine the presence of Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and Laurie Gery, Global Head of Business Development, Vaccines at Sanofi, the agreement was signed during the BIO International Convention in Boston, USA, by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH and Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf, Vaccines at Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH, said. 'DoH is partnering with Sanofi to expedite the development of new global vaccines. This initiative aims to shorten the timeline from early research to public availability by utilising advanced technologies, real-time data analysis, and conducting parallel clinical trial phases. By combining Sanofi's global scientific expertise with Abu Dhabi's state-of-the-art infrastructure, we set new benchmarks for resilience, innovation and international partnerships. Abu Dhabi offers a globally connected, purpose-driven environment for leading research, and together we will drive a transformative change that will safeguard the health and well-being of our community while contributing to global health security.'Both entities will work together to streamline regulatory processes, enhance manufacturing preparedness, and promote knowledge sharing between local and international experts. This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi's strategic goal to establish itself as a leading centre for bio- and pharmaceutical innovation and underscores the emirate's commitment to advancing proactive, technology-driven healthcare de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf, Vaccines, Sanofi, said, 'The Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi marks an encouraging step towards advancing global health security while reflecting our shared interest in addressing global health challenges through scientific partnership. This agreement allows us to examine how Sanofi's experience in vaccine development could complement Abu Dhabi's growing R&D ecosystem. Through this initial framework, we look forward to exploring opportunities for public-private collaboration in healthcare innovation.' In addition, both the Department and Sanofi will advance clinical research and development planning, optimise resource allocation and establish the foundational terms for funding and access. These efforts are designed to enhance healthcare resilience and sustainability across Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector and beyond, expanding access to quality care for patients locally and globally.
Al Etihad
19-06-2025
- Health
- 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.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi and Sanofi Forge Strategic Alliance to Accelerate the Development of New Global Vaccines in Abu Dhabi
On the sidelines of a high-level US visit focused on healthcare innovation ABU DHABI, UAE, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sanofi, a research and development-driven, AI-powered healthcare biopharma company at the BIO International Convention 2025, in Boston, USA. The collaboration will leverage the Emirate's health-tech ecosystem and advanced research infrastructure to drive the development of new global vaccines and strengthen regional capabilities in vaccine manufacturing. In the presence of H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Laurie Gery. Global Head of Business Development, Vaccines at Sanofi, the agreement was signed during the BIO International Convention in Boston, USA, by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH and Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf, Vaccines at Sanofi. Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, the Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH, said: "DoH is partnering with Sanofi to expedite the development of new global vaccines. This initiative aims to shorten the timeline from early research to public availability by utilising advanced technologies, real-time data analysis, and conducting parallel clinical trial phases. By combining Sanofi's global scientific expertise with Abu Dhabi's state-of-the-art infrastructure, we set new benchmarks for resilience, innovation and international partnerships. Abu Dhabi offers a globally connected, purpose-driven environment for leading research and together we will drive a transformative change that will safeguard the health and well-being of our community while contributing to global health security." Both entities will work together to streamline regulatory processes, enhance manufacturing preparedness, and promote knowledge sharing between local and international experts. This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi's strategic goal to establish itself as a leading center for bio- and pharmaceutical innovation and underscores the emirate's commitment to advancing proactive, technology-driven healthcare solutions. Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf, Vaccines, Sanofi, said: "The Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi marks an encouraging step towards advancing global health security while reflecting our shared interest in addressing global health challenges through scientific partnership. This agreement allows us to examine how Sanofi's experience in vaccine development could complement Abu Dhabi's growing R&D ecosystem. Through this initial framework, we look forward to exploring opportunities for public-private collaboration in healthcare innovation." In addition, both the Department and Sanofi will advance clinical research and development planning, optimise resource allocation and establish the foundational terms for funding and access. These efforts are designed to enhance healthcare resilience and sustainability across Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector and beyond, expanding access to quality care for patients locally and globally. Led by DoH, a high-level delegation has embarked on a strategic mission to the United States from June 15 to 21, delegation will conduct over 20 strategic meetings and visits with public and private sector leaders across the U.S., aimed at knowledge exchange, investment opportunities and the signing of new agreements that accelerate the adoption of advanced health solutions. Representing 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 Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa University, startAD and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). View original content: SOURCE The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi
