Abu dhabi: The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), M42, PureHealth, and GEMMABio Therapeutics have announced a strategic partnership to advance gene therapies for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA1). This collaboration aims to develop dedicated manufacturing and research centers within Abu Dhabi, facilitating access to clinical trials and gene therapies for patients across the MENA region.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership was solidified during the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, involving senior leaders from GEMMABio and Abu Dhabi's health and life sciences sectors. The collaboration will begin with a clinical trial to evaluate a new gene therapy product for SMA1, setting a global precedent for access to life-saving therapies.
Dr. Mohamed Alameri, Acting Director of Genome and Biobank Division at DoH, highlighted the partnership's significance in making Abu Dhabi a leader in gene therapies for rare diseases, leveraging the Emirati Genome Programme. He emphasized the commitment to innovation and personalized care to benefit patients and families regionally and beyond.
The collaboration will also establish a gene therapy contract development and research manufacturing organization in Abu Dhabi. This initiative is supported by the Emirate's advanced infrastructure and policies, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for life sciences innovation.
Dr. Jim Wilson, Founder, President, and CEO of GEMMABio, expressed optimism about the partnership's potential to unlock access to life-saving treatments for rare diseases. He acknowledged Abu Dhabi's role in building a recognized gene therapy ecosystem with significant future impacts on life sciences.
Dimitris Moulavasilis, Group CEO of M42, discussed the partnership's role in ushering a new frontier in health, emphasizing the integration of AI and genomic insights to fight rare diseases and extend the impact of the Emirati Genome Programme.
This partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi's advancements in gene therapies and precision medicine. The Emirate has expanded its genomics capabilities, sequencing over 800,000 genome samples. It continues to pioneer gene therapies, enhancing access to previously unavailable treatments in the region.
Rashed Saif Al Qubaisi, Group COO of PureHealth, emphasized the collaboration's alignment with Abu Dhabi's vision to solve complex health challenges. He highlighted PureHealth's role in expanding access to advanced gene therapies and contributing to clinical excellence.
Led by DoH, a delegation visited the United States from June 15 to 21, 2025, focusing on knowledge exchange, investments, and agreements to accelerate advanced health solutions. The delegation included key stakeholders from Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem.