Abu dhabi: The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Boehringer Ingelheim, a prominent biopharmaceutical company, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing research into the genetic drivers of diseases. This collaboration will utilize Abu Dhabi's genomics ecosystem to enhance precision medicine in the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, USA. Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, was present during the signing. The agreement was formalized by Dr. Mohamed Al Ameri, Division Director of Genome and Biobank at DoH, and Ghaleb Al Ahdab, Head of Public and Government Affairs UAE and Near East at Boehringer Ingelheim.
The partnership will concentrate on various areas, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, oncology, rare diseases, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, fibrotic diseases, ophthalmology, and immunological conditions. The two organizations will work together to explore scientific insights into genetic and population-level factors that may influence disease development and treatment responses.
Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, expressed that the collaboration aligns with Abu Dhabi's global leadership in genomics and population health research. She highlighted the commitment to leveraging these capabilities to better understand disease determinants, which will inform future research, advance personalized healthcare approaches, and contribute to more effective health outcomes for the region.
Ousama Alhaj, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma, Near East and UAE, Boehringer Ingelheim, stated that scientific breakthroughs often occur at the intersection of data, research, and collaboration. He emphasized the strategic investments Abu Dhabi has made in precision medicine and how the partnership reflects a shared commitment to understanding disease prevalence and addressing unmet medical needs. Through this collaboration, both entities aim to foster innovation, science, and cooperation to drive better health outcomes for future generations.