M42 announces strategic investment, partnership with leading biotech Juvenescence
16 Apr 2025 17:16
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)M42, a global health leader powered by artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and genomics, on Wednesday announced a strategic investment and partnership in longevity biotech leader Juvenescence.
The announcement was made during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), a year-round 'always-on' platform with a proactive approach centred around preventive, personalised, and holistic care, which is being held from April 15 to 17 at ADNEC, where M42 serves as a Foundational Partner for the second consecutive year. As part of this investment, M42 and Juvenescence will form a strategic partnership to identify and develop a pipeline of AI-enabled therapeutics to extend healthy lifespan and advance the treatment of life-threatening diseases.The strategic partnership and investment underlines M42's commitment to advancing its capabilities in drug discovery and development, following the creation of its Integrated Health Solutions and Life Sciences platforms under its new, recently announced operating structure. Leveraging M42's deep expertise in genomics, biobanking, and clinical trial infrastructure alongside Juvenescence's cutting-edge AI-enabled discovery technology and extensive drug development expertise, this collaboration will drive breakthroughs in life sciences research, enhance disease understanding, and enable fast-tracking of clinical trials.As well as identifying novel drug targets and therapeutics, the partnership will explore collaboration in R&D with leading academic and research organisations globally while supporting the development of M42's biotechnology strategy in Abu Dhabi. A joint steering committee comprised of senior executives from both companies will oversee the execution of this partnership.Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer at M42, said, "With this investment and partnership, M42 is taking great strides in reinforcing Abu Dhabi's push as a global nexus for AI-enabled therapeutics and biomedical innovation to tackle local and international health challenges. With Juvenescence, we are unlocking the potential of AI to transform the way we discover and deliver drugs, bringing innovative, life-changing therapies to patients worldwide. This is not just about innovation, it's about impact – on lives, on science, and on the future of health.'Dr Fahed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of M42's Integrated Health Solutions platform and Acting Chief Executive Officer of M42's AI Life Sciences platform, added, 'Our partnership with Juvenescence is a crucial step toward redefining healthcare through AI-driven drug discovery and biotechnology. By uniting AI innovation with biotech expertise, we're not only advancing the fight against age-related diseases but also building a global ecosystem that empowers prevention, precision, and progress—delivering transformative therapies from Abu Dhabi to the world.'Dr. Richard Marshall, Chief Executive Officer at Juvenescence, said, 'We are delighted to be working together with M42. This powerful partnership will combine M42's expertise in AI, technology, and genomics with Juvenescence's unrivalled ability to discover and develop innovative drugs for age-related disease. Our work together will enable the creation of a unique pipeline of innovative therapeutics that will have enormous potential to target the underlying causes of age-related disease and improve the healthspan of patients globally.'The collaboration will see Juvenescence's team of globally recognised scientists and industry leaders - with more than 150 years of cumulative experience in drug discovery and development - work with M42 to build its own innovative therapeutics pipeline.By partnering with Juvenescence, M42 is building on its genomics expertise developed in collaboration with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH) to further drive advancements in disease understanding and precision medicine. M42's Omics Center of Excellence - the largest outside the U.S. - supports the Emirati Genome Project (EGP), which has already sequenced over 800,000 whole genomes and has a goal of sequencing one million local Emiratis.Additionally, M42's Abu Dhabi Biobank (ADBB) has stored over 900,000 samples, a repository that will be an invaluable resource for future biomedical research in the UAE and beyond.
The partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader vision to become a world-class destination for health innovation and to build a life sciences hub as part of its economic diversification agenda.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
4 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE's new climate law sparks future-proof economic growth –experts
8 June 2025 23:58 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI) Businesses across the UAE are adjusting to new sweeping climate compliance requirements under Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024, now officially in effect. The law mandates all entities operating in the UAE, including those in free zones, to measure, track, and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A one-month grace period, ending on June 28, was granted for registration and initial compliance. Cabinet Resolution No. 67 of 2024 details the specific thresholds and implementation requirements under the law. It defines 'entities of huge carbon emissions' as those emitting an equivalent of at least 500,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually (Scope 1 and 2). These entities are required to register with the National Registry of Carbon Credit (NRCC) and implement full Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification protocols( MRV).Failure to comply with the UAE Climate Change Law may result in financial penalties of up to Dh1 million and temporary business suspension until all requirements are met. However, experts say businesses should look beyond penalties and recognise the legislation as a launchpad for innovation and future-proof growth. 'The law's comprehensive approach, combining regulation, market-based incentives, and innovation support, positions the UAE to lead the region in green economic transformation,' Amro Zakaria, Co-founder of Kyoto Network and CEO of Madarik Ventures, told Aletihad. 'It not only helps future-proof the economy against climate risks but also unlocks new opportunities for sustainable growth, investment, and job creation,' the global financial markets strategist added. Creating New Growth Vectors Nahla Nabil, an ESG and Sustainability Strategist, views this new law as an economic blueprint for diversification - one that creates new growth vectors while protecting existing ones.'What excites me most is that the law is sending strong signals to both sides of the market,' she told Aletihad. 'On the supply chain, it's driving innovation: carbon capture, clean tech, nature-based solutions. All of these are moving from nice-to-have to must-have. On the demand side, businesses now urgently need climate expertise, advisory services, and MRV systems and that's where I see an explosion in new jobs and opportunities,' Nabil said. She noted that UAE educational institutions are already developing programmes around climate risk and emissions management, laying the groundwork for a future-ready, knowledge-based economy.'The law also lays the foundation for a national carbon market. If done right, the UAE could lead the region in green finance not just meeting targets but setting the benchmark,' said Nabil. She also pointed out that as global regulations like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) come into effect, having verified emissions data becomes a matter of trade resilience, not just good governance. While some companies may limit themselves to basic compliance, Nabil argued that those that thrive will be the ones exploring how the law can create value and drive innovation.'The law gives us direction, from tracking emissions to exploring cleaner operations. But it's not just about rules. It's about clarity. When we know where we're heading, it's easier to make smart, future-focused decisions.' Expanding Impact According to Nabil, companies that are ready to move beyond compliance should focus on emissions hotspots to identify innovation potential, engage early in carbon credit systems, and support customers in reducing their emissions to expand the impact of their climate strategies. Zakaria pointed out that the law encourages research and development (R&D) and innovation, offering incentives for the private sector to develop climate solutions, such as clean energy, carbon capture, and alternatives to high-emission materials. Companies can also engage in carbon trading, turning emissions reductions into financial assets and new revenue streams, he added. 'Research has proven that companies that have an ESG strategy and an environmentally conscious mindset are generally more profitable. One reason for that is that the cost of capital (finance rates) is lower for projects with lower carbon intensity,' Zakaria said. Over time, he added, compliance with this law will help UAE firms reduce their carbon footprint, positioning them for better access to international markets that may soon be out of reach for high carbon foot print companies and high carbon intensity Beyond EmissionsAccording to Zakaria, the law introduces several market-based tools to support implementation, including Carbon Credit Market/ETS, Carbon Offsetting and Shadow Pricing, Technology Adoption Incentives, Green Tax Incentives, Sustainable Finance Frameworkm, and Performance pointed to the law's alignment with international climate frameworks, without losing sight of national priorities.'Post-COP28, it's clear the UAE isn't just pledging alignment with the Paris Agreement it's embedding it. The law reinforces our Nationally Determined Contributions and puts in place the systems to act on them,' she said. 'The National Carbon Credit Registry is also a forward-looking move, signalling readiness for Article 6 and future participation in global carbon markets not just keeping pace, but helping shape what's next.'From an ESG standpoint, Nabil said the law reflects global standards like TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) and the GHG Protocol, offering a robust foundation for environmental reporting. While the current focus is on emissions, she expects broader governance and risk disclosures aligned with GRI and ISSB to follow.'That evolution feels natural, and the UAE's approach has been open and adaptive. The real progress will come with implementation and I'm optimistic we're heading toward even deeper global alignment.' Nabil views this law as a foundational step in a broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) shift.'At first glance, it may seem like the law is mostly focused on emissions and the environment - the 'E' in ESG. But when you read deeper, you realise it's more than that. This is a framework law,' she said. 'It's meant to be built on, with future ministerial resolutions, technical guidelines, and sector-specific policies that will gradually define the full ESG landscape.'Nabil points to Article 7 on climate adaptation, which moves beyond environmental metrics to address health systems, infrastructure resilience, early warning systems, and inter-agency coordination - elements that touch on both social and governance priorities. 'Even the definitions section makes it clear: climate impacts are not just about nature, they include effects on lives, health, economies, and culture,' she explained. 'The law sets the stage for ESG reporting that is people-centred, risk-aware, and impact-driven.'
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Al Etihad
Scientists discover unusual atmospheric motion on Saturn's largest moon
7 June 2025 09:52 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Scientists at the University of Bristol, UK have observed a strange phenomenon in the atmosphere of Titan, Saturn's largest moon, discovering that its upper atmospheric layers do not remain fixed relative to the surface but instead wobble with the changing seasons.A research team made the discovery after analysing 13 years' worth of infrared data from the Cassini-Huygens mission, a joint venture between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian Space is the only moon in the Solar System with a significant atmosphere, and one that has long captivated planetary scientists.'The behaviour of Titan's atmospheric tilt is very strange!' said Lucy Wright, lead author and postdoctoral researcher at Bristol's School of Earth Sciences. 'Titan's atmosphere appears to be acting like a gyroscope, stabilising itself in space.'We think some event in the past may have knocked the atmosphere off its spin axis, causing it to wobble. Even more intriguingly, we've found that the size of this tilt changes with Titan's seasons.'The team studied the symmetry of Titan's atmospheric temperature field and found that it isn't centred exactly on the pole, as expected. Instead, it shifts over time, in step with Titan's long seasonal cycle—each year on Titan lasts nearly 30 years on Nick Teanby, co-author and planetary scientist at Bristol said: 'What's puzzling is how the tilt direction remains fixed in space, rather than being influenced by the Sun or Saturn.'That would've given us clues to the cause. Instead, we've got a new mystery on our hands.'This discovery will impact NASA's upcoming Dragonfly mission, a drone-like rotorcraft scheduled to arrive at Titan in the 2030s. As Dragonfly descends through the atmosphere, it will be carried by Titan's fast-moving winds—winds that are about 20 times faster than the rotation of the how the atmosphere wobbles with the seasons is crucial for calculating the landing trajectory of Conor Nixon, planetary scientist at NASA Goddard and co-author of the study, added: 'Our work shows that there are still remarkable discoveries to be made in Cassini's archive. This instrument, partly built in the UK, journeyed across the Solar System and continues to give us valuable scientific returns. 'The fact that Titan's atmosphere behaves like a spinning top disconnected from its surface raises fascinating questions—not just for Titan, but for understanding atmospheric physics more broadly, including on Earth.' The team's findings contribute to a growing body of research suggesting Titan is not just Earth-like in appearance but an alien world with climate systems all its own, and many secrets still hidden beneath its golden haze. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Al Etihad
Under directives of the UAE President, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi approves Dh4.62bn housing benefits package for citizens ahead of Eid Al Adha
5 June 2025 14:16 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved a housing benefits package worth Dh4.62 billion, benefiting 3,052 Emirati citizens across the approved housing benefits package includes housing loans amounting to Dh4.4 billion benefiting 2,862 citizens, and exemptions from housing loan repayments totalling Dh212 million benefiting 190 citizens, limited-income retirees and beneficiaries of deceased disbursement of the second housing package of 2025 comes ahead of Eid Al Adha and reflects the leadership's ongoing commitment to comprehensive development, enhancing the well-being and stability of Emirati families, empowering them to actively contribute to the nation's progress, in line with UAE Year of Community objectives aimed at strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing community package brings the total housing benefits delivered to citizens in Abu Dhabi in 2025 to Dh11.38 Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said: 'The new housing benefits package reflects the leadership's commitment to empowering citizens through the provision of quality housing that promotes family stability and elevates quality of life. On this occasion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for their enduring support to advance the housing sector and foster a thriving and cohesive society.'Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said: 'The second housing package of 2025 highlights the depth of our leadership's strategic vision to build a prosperous future, enhancing the quality of life and providing sustainable housing solutions that meet Emirati citizens' needs and aspirations.'The generous support from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, reaffirms the leadership's steadfast commitment to fostering social and family stability and ensuring a fulfilling life for Emirati families.' The housing benefits package follows the recent endorsement of an additional community support subsidy of Dh250,000 for existing beneficiaries of housing loans, including a reduction of up to 50 per cent in monthly loan instalments, and a wide range of other services and facilities. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
