M42, AstraZeneca, and SOPHiA GENETICS launch UAE broad liquid biopsy initiative to transform cancer diagnosis and care
Partnership will advance cancer diagnosis, inform treatment decisions, and enable real-time monitoring of disease progression in a more cost-effective and less invasive manner
The launch is expected in the latter part of Q2 2025, following the completion of an initial validation study at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: M42, a global health leader powered by technology, continues to pioneer artificial intelligence (AI) and medical and clinical solutions as part of its mission to revolutionize health in the UAE and globally. In a major advancement for precision oncology, M42 announced a strategic collaboration with AstraZeneca and SOPHiA GENETICS (Nasdaq: SOPH) to bring cutting-edge liquid biopsy testing to the UAE, aimed at advancing cancer diagnosis, informing treatment decisions, and enabling faster, accurate biomarker testing across a broad range of cancers.
As part of the collaboration, M42 will integrate SOPHiA GENETICS' MSK-ACCESS®, powered with SOPHiA DDM™ technology, into its testing infrastructure, enabling non-invasive genomic profiling of cancers through a simple blood draw. This approach does not replace but rather complements routine cancer screenings and is designed for patients who are unable to undergo a solid tumor biopsy, enabling them to be matched with a precision therapy tailored to their specific cancer profile. Over the next 12 months, the partnership will enable liquid biopsy testing access across select leading hospitals across the UAE, providing patients with faster, less invasive biomarker insights compared to traditional tissue biopsies, while also strengthening testing infrastructure and capabilities for a wide range of cancers in the UAE.
The new testing program will initially target lung, ovarian, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, among others, addressing some of the most critical cancer burdens in the region. Validation studies are set to commence shortly at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone toward the full clinical launch planned for the latter part of Q2 2025. Over time, the collaboration will serve as a foundation for broader expansion across the Middle East, excluding Saudi Arabia, delivering world-class precision oncology solutions to a wider population.
Albarah El-khani, Senior Vice President, Operations, Integrated Health Solutions at M42, said: "At M42, we are committed to transforming care through innovation and collaboration. By partnering with AstraZeneca and SOPHiA GENETICS, we are bringing world-class liquid biopsy technologies to the UAE, empowering clinicians to deliver more precise and less invasive cancer care. This collaboration reflects our vision of democratizing health by making advanced diagnostics accessible to more patients, supporting not just early diagnosis but also real-time treatment monitoring and cost-effective, precise, predictive, and personalized care."
Sameh El Fangary, Cluster President GCC, AstraZeneca, shared," At AstraZeneca, we are leading the way in the application of precision medicine. Our work, and our collaborations with partners across industry, are driving towards better treatments for patients as well as a more sustainable future for healthcare systems. Through our latest partnerships, we are committed to transforming cancer care for millions in the region by advancing early diagnosis and optimizing patient pathways from detection to therapy.'
R oss Muken, President of SOPHiA GENETICS, said: "Expanding access to advanced testing technologies is central to our mission at SOPHiA GENETICS. Partnering with M42 and AstraZeneca in the UAE allows us to equip healthcare providers with the tools they need to personalize care, monitor disease in real-time, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients across the region."
About M42
M42 is a global health champion powered by artificial intelligence (AI), technology and genomics to advance innovation in health for people and the planet. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, M42 combines its specialized, state-of-the-art facilities with integrated health solutions like genomics and biobanks, and harnesses advanced technologies to deliver precise, preventive and predictive care, to impactfully disrupt traditional healthcare models and positively impact lives globally.
Established in 2022, following the coming together of G42 Healthcare and Mubadala Health, M42 has more than 480 facilities in 26 countries and over 20,000 employees. M42 includes renowned healthcare providers including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Danat Al Emarat, Diaverum, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital, and Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi. As well as operating the Emirati Genome Programme, M42 runs Abu Dhabi BioBank and Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), a global tech-enabled healthcare company operating Malaffi.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
29 minutes ago
- Zawya
New desalination phase to boost Kuwait's water reserves by 60mln gallons daily
KUWAIT CITY - The bid opening date for Doha West Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant, along with equipment to increase the alkalinity of the produced water (Phase II) , will be on July 22, sources from the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy say. Sources pointed out that if the project bids are opened and the deadline is not postponed, the Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) will refer the bids to the ministry for review and preparation of technical recommendations within one month of the award date. Based on the recommendation, a decision will be made on the company with the best bid and the required conditions and specifications, sources explained. Sources added that the award decision of CAPT will be pave the way for sending the tender documents to the State Audit Bureau (SAB) for study, review and audit. Sources confirmed that the bureau will then approve the contract to start the implementation of the project, which the ministry is counting on to increase the strategic reserve of fresh water to meet the growing demand for water. Sources expect the station to increase the strategic water reserve by 60 million imperial gallons per day of potable water without the need to mix it with groundwater -- an advantage of reverse osmosis technology. Sources also confirmed the commitment of the ministry to implement all of its development projects, particularly those related to electricity and water production, to meet the increasing demand for electricity and water annually. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
29 minutes ago
- Zawya
ADPIC and arbitrateAD to advance dispute resolution practices in Abu Dhabi
Implementation of Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Boards (DAABs) across standard contracts aligns with global best practice Reinforces Abu Dhabi's commitment to an investor-friendly, transparent infrastructure ecosystem ADPIC currently oversees a project portfolio exceeding AED 200 billion Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) and the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to embed world-class dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms across Abu Dhabi's infrastructure ecosystem. Signed during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, the MoU reflects both organisations' commitment to advancing dispute management. It further reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a trusted international hub for investment, public-private partnerships, long-term project delivery, and strategic public-private collaboration. Under the agreement, arbitrateAD will serve as the official appointing authority for adjudicators and the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Boards (DAABs) across ADPIC's Capital Projects Standard Contracts — ensuring consistency in the deployment of dispute resolution practices and enhancing delivery certainty in major infrastructure developments. DAABs are independent expert panels appointed at the outset of infrastructure projects. Their role is to resolve disputes before they escalate and maintain alignment across complex delivery timelines. As a globally recognised best practice, DAABs contribute to stronger governance, reduced delays, and improved risk-sharing across stakeholders. With oversight of a capital portfolio exceeding AED 200 billion, ADPIC plays a critical role in enabling infrastructure delivery that is timely, sustainable, and globally competitive. The integration of DAABs reflects ADPIC's commitment to building resilient project ecosystems underpinned by accountability, collaboration, and proactive dispute prevention. The MoU also outlines joint efforts to raise awareness around dispute avoidance and support industry-wide training to promote best practice standards. These efforts are particularly relevant to investors and ESG-focused developers seeking transparent, rules-based markets that minimise delivery risk and promote long-term value. His Excellency Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of arbitrateAD, said: 'We are proud to collaborate with ADPIC, as we reinforce our commitment to dispute avoidance mechanisms that meet international standards. DAABs are an incredibly smart approach to resolving challenges before they escalate, and this MOU is in line with our shared vision of both improving how projects are managed and strengthening investor confidence across the region. This partnership supports the emirate's broader drive to deliver world-class infrastructure projects through transparency, efficiency, and rule of law — positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading model for effective public-private collaboration.' His Excellency Maysarah Eid, Director General of ADPIC, said: 'This MoU marks a significant step in our efforts to integrate global best practices into the way Abu Dhabi delivers its infrastructure ambitions. By appointing arbitrateAD as the official authority for dispute adjudication, we are strengthening our approach to proactive risk mitigation and effective dispute resolution while ensuring delivery excellence. More importantly, we are sending a clear signal to our partners, local and international, that Abu Dhabi is committed to creating a project environment defined by stability, transparency, and long-term strategic value.' The signing of this MoU also sets the stage for future collaboration as Abu Dhabi continues to scale its infrastructure ambitions in alignment with Abu Dhabi's economic vision and evolving global ESG expectations. About arbitrateAD arbitrateAD is Abu Dhabi's flagship arbitration centre, offering a modern, efficient, and world-class framework for the resolution of commercial disputes for both commercial and governmental entities. arbitrateAD plays a vital role in advancing the emirate's vision to become a leading global legal and financial hub. The establishment of the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre is a testament to the emirate's dedication to excellence in providing a world-class neutral and impartial forum for dispute resolution. The Centre has been awarded the GAR Guide to Regional Arbitration award for 'Arbitral Institution That Impressed' at the 2025 Global Arbitration Review (GAR) Awards. Launched by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2023, and fully operational since 1 February 2024, arbitrateAD has provided successful arbitration services to companies of all sizes doing business in a wide range of industries. About ADCCI The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI) is the leading business support organisation in Abu Dhabi. With a focus on enhancing trade and investment, ADCCI plays a key role in supporting the growth of Abu Dhabi's economy, particularly for SMEs and the private sector. Through various initiatives and partnerships, ADCCI aims to promote a business-friendly environment that facilitates investment and economic development in the emirate. About Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC): Established in 2023, ADPIC's vision is to oversee and manage capital projects that enhance the quality of life for every resident in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This involves diverse projects including housing, infrastructure, tourism, community facilities, and education. ADPIC's mandate includes managing contracts, reviewing, approving, planning, and designing capital projects. These are overseen by the Centre in close collaboration with relevant entities and stakeholders to ensure quality is maintained while also facilitating efficient project execution in alignment with Abu Dhabi's strategic goals. Throughout its operations, the Centre is committed to strengthening public-private partnerships and adopting best practices in sustainability globally.
Zawya
29 minutes ago
- Zawya
Parkin's IPO recognised as Best Privatisation in EMEA
Parkin Company PJSC ('Parkin' or 'the Company'), the largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services in Dubai, has been awarded Best Privatisation in EMEA, at the 2025 EMEA Finance Achievement Awards in London. The annual awards ceremony recognises standout transactions and institutions shaping capital markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The award celebrates Parkin's successful evolution from a government department into a high-performing and profitable listed infrastructure business. The carve-out process and subsequent public-to-private transition in March 2024 resulted in record oversubscription levels achieved on the Dubai Financial Market, with interest from high-quality local, regional and international investors generating AED 259 billion in total demand (US$71 billion), implying an oversubscription level of 165x. The recognition by EMEA Finance magazine reinforces Parkin's position as the benchmark for successful privatisation in the region, reflecting Dubai's leadership in developing investable and future-ready infrastructure platforms. The Best Privatisation in EMEA award follows last month's Best MENA IPO accolade from Euromoney, further enhancing Parkin's growing reputation for excellence in the transportation industry. Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, commented: 'Winning Best Privatisation in EMEA is a proud moment for both Parkin and Dubai. From the outset, our goal was to deliver a privatisation that set a new regional benchmark in transaction structure, investor interest and long-term value creation. The response to our IPO was extraordinary and what we have achieved since listing reflects the strength of our capex-light, cash-generative business model, our post-privatisation strategy and the ambitions of our team. This award is a testament not only to our success but also to Dubai's leadership in shaping innovative, world-class mobility infrastructure, demonstrating its ability to attract global investors through visionary privatisation initiatives.' About Parkin Company PJSC With a unique blend of operational excellence, technological know-how and enforcement capability spanning almost three decades, Parkin Company PJSC is the largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services in the Emirate of Dubai, with a portfolio of approximately 206k paid parking spaces, as at year end 2024. Parkin has a dominant position in relation to Dubai's on and off-street paid public parking market and a leading share of the overall paid parking market. Under a 49-year Concession Agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Parkin has the exclusive right to operate a portfolio of public on and off-street parking (c.184k spaces) as well as public multi-storey car parking facilities (c.3k spaces). Parkin also operates certain developer-owned parking facilities through partnership agreements across the Emirate (c.19k spaces) and provides barrierless, ticketless on behalf of Majid Al Futtaim across two malls. Additional revenue streams include enforcement, the issuance of seasonal permits, parking reservations and other commercial activities. By deploying state of the art digital payment solutions and intelligent parking management systems that utilise artificial intelligence and big data analysis, Parkin's customers successfully conducted 132m parking transactions in 2024. Dubai's parking operations were established in 1995 under the Dubai Municipality, before becoming part of the RTA in 2005. In December 2023, Parkin Company PJSC was established through the issuance of Law No. 30 of 2023, successfully completing its initial public offering (IPO) on the Dubai Financial Market in March 2024.
