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
7 minutes ago
- Zawya
Qatar's economic diversification spurs influx of high-tech, sustainability
Doha - Qatar's ambitious push toward economic diversification under its National Vision 2030 is rapidly transforming the country into a magnet for global consulting firms specialising in technology, sustainability, and governance. As the nation accelerates its investments in digital infrastructure, ESG compliance, and private sector development, a new wave of consulting expertise is entering the market bringing with it cutting-edge AI platforms, deep sectoral knowledge, and a strong focus on building local talent and institutional capacity, an official explains. This growing influx signals both confidence in Qatar's reform agenda and the rising demand for agile, innovation-driven advisory support across sectors. Global consulting firms continue to play a key role by placing Qatar at the center of its ambitious plan to scale revenues from $24m to $100m in just two years. Speaking to The Peninsula, Jamil Khatri, Co-Founder and CEO of Uniqus Consulting said 'We are already on track for revenues of $50m this year. Qatar is critical to our $100m roadmap. We bring a highly differentiated approach — from deep expertise and global integration to a proprietary tech stack that sets us apart in the consulting landscape.' The official underlines that there is a strong synergy with Qatar's ambitious development goals, particularly as the nation advances its strategy toward economic diversification, digital transformation, and global competitiveness. 'Qatar's Vision 2030 outlines a bold digital and economic transformation agenda, and believe it is well-positioned to contribute through our proprietary tech platforms, AI investments, ESG capabilities, and global expertise around risk management, he said. 'The Qatari vision of being in the top echelons of the business environment and digital competitiveness aligns well with our service offerings, Khatri said. To ensure cultural relevance and impactful execution, companies are leaning on local partnerships and targeted talent strategies. A key example is its collaboration with the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) in the field of sustainability and ESG — a partnership the firm aims to deepen through its Qatar operations. 'We have already identified a local leader with a deep understanding of the market, to lead our operations in Qatar,' Khatri noted. 'We're committed to recruiting and nurturing local talent while leveraging Uniqus' global skills to build awareness and capability in the Qatari market.' 'The GCC is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by diversification, infrastructure, digital reform, and governance. Qatar, in particular, stands out as a beacon of this shift. As companies in the region move forward on this journey, the demand for agile, tech-enabled consulting will only intensify and that is a significant growth driver, he added. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
29 minutes ago
- Zawya
RPM's medical team provides healthcare services for Hajj 2025 Pilgrims
Jeddah: A dedicated team of doctors, medical staff and paramedics from UAE-headquartered Response Plus Medical, a subsidiary of Response Plus Holding PJSC (ADX: RPM), the largest pre-hospital care and emergency medical services provider in the region, is currently delivering extensive healthcare services to pilgrims participating in Hajj 2025. With a fleet of 125 ambulances, 18 fully-equipped medical clinics, and 350 trained medical professionals, RPM is committed to ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of all pilgrims throughout their sacred journey. During Hajj season, Saudi Arabia welcomes nearly 3 million pilgrims from around the globe. The ambulance fleet has been strategically stationed across key Hajj sites to provide rapid response and emergency care whenever needed. The 18 medical clinics are staffed with experienced doctors, nurses, and support staff, offering a wide range of services from routine health assessments to urgent medical interventions. Commenting on RPM's contribution to the success of the Hajj season, Dr Rohil Raghavan, CEO of Response Plus Holding PJSC, said: 'Our mission is to support Hajj pilgrims in their spiritual journey by maintaining their health and safety, while ensuring their families and loved ones' peace of mind. Under the leadership of Baneesh Abdulla, CEO of Saudi RPM, the large medical team has been making rigorous preparations on-ground in the last two weeks to provide Hajj pilgrims with the best emergency medical services, offering everyone the prompt and compassionate care they deserve.' Through this on-site mission, RPM reaffirms its commitment to excellence in emergency medical services and community care for events of any scale or magnitude.
Zawya
29 minutes ago
- Zawya
International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation's 2024 Annual Report highlights record trade support
The report also highlights that the Corporation was ranked at the top as Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner in global Islamic syndications by both Refinitiv and Bloomberg, a reflection of its global leadership and strong investor confidence JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia / -- The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) ( a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Annual Report, titled 'Reaching New Frontiers.' The report captures a landmark year showcasing a period of transformative growth, expanded geographic reach, record trade finance approvals, and strengthened commitments to sustainable and inclusive development across its Member Countries. In 2024, ITFC demonstrated agility and resilience amidst persistent geopolitical and economic challenges, prioritizing trade finance, facilitation, and trade development to support member countries' national development agendas. Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report Record Trade Finance Approvals In 2024, ITFC approved a total of US$ 7.3 billion in trade finance across 110 operations in 26 countries. Of this amount, US$ 6.7 billion was successfully disbursed Notably, 38% of the approved financing was directed toward Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs), underscoring ITFC's commitment to inclusive development Furthermore, 41% of the total portfolio, equivalent to US$ 3 billion, was allocated to non-energy sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and financial services ITFC successfully mobilized US$ 4.2 billion through Islamic syndications in 2024, representing 57% of its total trade finance approvals. Accelerating Intra-OIC Trade A total of US$ 4.85 billion was dedicated to promoting trade among OIC member countries, marking a 6.5% increase compared to 2023 These intra-OIC trade approvals accounted for 67% of ITFC's total trade finance operations, reinforcing the Corporation's role in fostering regional economic integration and cooperation Strengthening the Private Sector In a continued effort to support private sector growth, ITFC provided US$ 1.2 billion in financing, reflecting a 14% increase over the previous year This support reached 47 financial institutions and included engagements with 19 new clients across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia Delivering on Food Security Commitments To address food insecurity, ITFC approved US$ 1.75 billion in financing for agriculture and food-related operations across 10 OIC countries Since the launch of the IsDB Group's Food Security Response Program (FSRP) in 2022, ITFC has mobilized US$ 4.73 billion in food security financing, exceeding its initial commitment of US$ 4.5 billion. ITFC financing has helped Member Countries secure stable supplies of essential food commodities, reduce price volatility, and support agricultural resilience. In Tajikistan alone, ITFC's food security financing contributed to reaching over 200,000 households—benefiting nearly 900,000 individuals—by ensuring access to staple goods such as wheat, sugar, and edible oil. Sustainability Milestone ITFC launched its first Environmental and Social (E&S) Policy in October 2024 The policy rollout included a 10-year E&S action plan, a 5-year carbon reduction strategy, and strengthened governance to embed ESG principles across all operations The report also highlights that the Corporation was ranked at the top as Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner in global Islamic syndications by both Refinitiv and Bloomberg, a reflection of its global leadership and strong investor confidence. Additionally, the 2024 Annual Report spotlights the achievements of ITFC's flagship programs: The Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program actively supported the development of regional value chains by hosting targeted B2B meetings and launching Africa's first textile and leather standards program, paving the way for improved quality and competitiveness across the continent The Aid for Trade Initiative for the Arab States (AfTIAS 2.0) Program saw the implementation progress on 21 ongoing projects across Arab States, with a strategic focus on job creation, trade facilitation, and export development. These initiatives continue to empower local economies and enhance regional trade capacity Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+): ITFC advanced regional integration among six Central Asian countries through projects that promote agri-business development, investment attraction, and food security, strengthening economic ties and resilience in the region The Global SMEs Program expanded its footprint in West Africa and officially launched in Cameroon, enhancing access to trade finance and advisory services for small and medium-sized enterprises and fostering inclusive economic growth In addition to its flagship programs, ITFC delivered a diverse range of integrated trade solutions and targeted interventions in 2024 that reflect its holistic development approach. Through tailored capacity-building programs, reverse linkage initiatives, and trade facilitation tools, ITFC addressed specific needs across sectors such as energy, agriculture, finance, and trade policy. Highlights include the Indonesian Coffee Export Development Program enhancing sustainable farming practices; capacity-building workshops on Islamic finance in Nigeria, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan; technical support to Togo and Mali's electricity sectors; and the rollout of electronic Certificates of Origin to boost cross-border trade in West Africa. With an eye on the future, ITFC remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the evolving priorities of its Member Countries. By driving innovation, strengthening strategic partnerships, and delivering high-impact trade finance solutions, the Corporation is poised to chart new frontiers and accelerate progress toward sustainable and inclusive development across the OIC region. About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) : The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is the trade finance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries' needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.
