Latest news with #BIOInternationalConvention2025
Al Etihad
08-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi leads high-level delegation to US, showcasing emirate's global leadership in healthcare innovation
8 July 2025 13:10 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has led a high-level delegation on a strategic mission to the US to strengthen partnerships and showcase Abu Dhabi's excellence in life sciences and precision visit reflected the emirate's global leadership in healthcare innovation and its commitment to international cooperation to advance scientific research, innovation, and ethical medical delegation visited key US cities including Boston, Washington DC, and Philadelphia, in parallel with Abu Dhabi's participation at BIO International Convention 2025, one of the world's foremost biotechnology visit spotlighted the emirate's achievements in AI, digital health, genomics, and clinical research, and showcased Abu Dhabi's Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Life Science Cluster, while promoting long-term strategic partnerships with government entities, research institutions, and global Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said: 'This mission demonstrated Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to cement its position as a global centre of excellence in health and life sciences. We are committed to fostering partnerships that advance healthcare innovation and enhance quality of life, both in the UAE and globally.'The delegation conducted more than 20 strategic meetings and visits with public and private sector leaders across the US, aimed at enhancing knowledge exchange and investment opportunities, and marked the signing of new agreements that will accelerate the adoption of advanced health mission facilitated joint actions between DoH and global organisations set to shape the future of healthcare. These alliances reinforce the Emirate's steadfast dedication to advancing health outcomes through impactful global collaborations, pioneering research and a robust infrastructure that fosters innovation, talent and investment. Key agreements and partnerships were formed with prestigious US-based peers and partners, including the University of California, San Francisco, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, Abbott, Aetna International, GEMMABio and Children's National Hospital. These collaborations focus on establishing genome surgery centres, advancing vaccine development and manufacturing, integrating innovative research platforms and localising pharmaceutical production, while also expanding access to US healthcare networks, developing genomics and biotechnology research centres and launching advanced cell and gene therapy programmes for the side-lines of Abu Dhabi's participation at BIO International Convention in Boston, USA, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, have successfully enabled expedited access to Tremfya®, a next-generation biologic medication for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This strategic partnership marks the first availability of the treatment outside the United States, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a as a pioneering destination for healthcare innovation and advanced, patient-focused Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem, the delegation included key stakeholders such as Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD Group, PureHealth, StartAD, Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, and Etihad Dhabi continues to lead the region in genomics through the Emirati Genome Programme, which has successfully sequenced more than 800,000 samples, creating one of the most advanced national genomic databases. The emirate is also home to more than 90 licensed research centres and over 30 ongoing clinical trials in areas such as oncology, rare diseases, and chronic data platforms such as Malaffi, which securely store over 5 million patient records—enable AI-powered insights and real-world evidence, while national initiatives like the Golden Visa have enabled more than 2,000 long-term visas for researchers and healthcare professionals from around the world. This strategic visit reflected Abu Dhabi's broader vision for healthcare transformation—driven by innovation, investment, and a deep commitment to global collaboration.
Al Etihad
05-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi to partner with GEMMABio Therapeutics, advance gene therapies for children with spinal muscular atrophy
5 July 2025 19:52 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has announced its plans to partner with GEMMABio Therapeutics (GEMMABio), a pioneering global biotechnology company dedicated to advancing global access to gene therapies for rare diseases, in collaboration with M42, a global health champion powered by AI, technology and genomics, and PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East. The announcement follows a high-level meeting, during the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, between senior leaders from GEMMABio and key stakeholders from Abu Dhabi's health and life sciences ecosystem. Through this strategic partnership, the entities will jointly establish dedicated manufacturing and research centres within Abu Dhabi's academic health institutions, enabling patients from across the MENA region to access cutting-edge clinical trials and, eventually, approved gene collaboration will kick off with a clinical trial evaluating a next-generation gene therapy product in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), setting a precedent for expanding access to life-saving therapies Mohamed Alameri, Acting Director of Genome and Biobank Division at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said, 'Our partnership with GEMMABio marks a pivotal step in Abu Dhabi's journey to become a global leader in developing gene therapies for rare diseases leveraging the Emirati Genome Programme. At DoH, we are committed to reshaping innovation, early detection and personalised care by strengthening the Emirate's capacity to develop, test and scale innovative therapeutics. Through these efforts, we are advancing life sciences applications while offering real hope to patients and families across the region and beyond.'The collaboration will unite the shared vision and technology to further strengthen Abu Dhabi's gene therapy R&D ecosystem, and see the emirate serving as a regional hub for GEMMABio's translational and clinical research activities.A best-in-class gene therapy contract development and research manufacturing organisation will be established in Abu Dhabi as a joint venture between M42 and GEMMABio. Additionally, regional access to GEMMABio's commercialised gene products will be coordinated through Abu Dhabi's gene therapy research and treatment by the emirate's state-of-the-art infrastructure, forward-looking policies and the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Life Sciences Cluster, Abu Dhabi is offering streamlined licensing and co-commercialisation processes, alongside co-investment schemes and tax relief for biotech startups. Together, these enablers position Abu Dhabi as a leading global hub for life sciences Jim Wilson, Founder, President, and CEO of GEMMABio, said, 'This is a transformational partnership—one that will play a pivotal role in unlocking global access to life-saving treatments for patients with rare diseases. The stakeholders in Abu Dhabi are building a globally recognised gene therapy ecosystem whose impact on the future of life sciences will be both profound and far-reaching. Together, we are aligning scientific innovation with bold ambition to accelerate progress where it's needed most.'Dimitris Moulavasilis, Group Chief Executive Officer of M42, said, 'This partnership helps Abu Dhabi usher in another frontier in the future of health. With our integrated AI- and data-led ecosystem and advancements in precision, prevention, and prediction, this collaboration extends the impact of the Emirati Genome Programme into gene therapeutics targeting rare diseases."M42 is focused on developing genomic insights, fighting against rare diseases and saving lives. Our partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and GEMMABio will accelerate this effort, ensuring people in the UAE and beyond get the gene therapies they need for longer, healthier lives.'This strategic partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi's recent strides in rare disease gene therapies and precision medicine. The emirate has significantly expanded its genomics capabilities through the Emirati Genome Programme, with over 800,000 genome samples sequenced, marking one of the world's most advanced national genomic Dhabi continues to pioneer the administration of cutting-edge gene therapies, expanding access to life-saving treatments that were previously unavailable in the region. With sustained investment in research, talent, and infrastructure, the emirate is reinforcing its position as a regional leader in life sciences and medical Saif Al Qubaisi, Group Chief Operating Officer of PureHealth, said, 'This collaboration is a powerful reflection of Abu Dhabi's growing influence as a global centre for health innovation. By joining forces with GEMMABio and our strategic partners, we are not only expanding access to advanced gene therapies, but also reinforcing the Emirate's long-term commitment to solving some of the world's most complex health challenges. PureHealth is proud to contribute through its integrated research capabilities and commitment to clinical excellence, aligned with the Department of Health's vision to deliver life-changing outcomes for patients across the region and beyond.'Led by DoH, a high-level delegation embarked on a strategic mission to the US from June 15 to 21, 2025. This visit focused on knowledge exchange, investment opportunities, and the signing of new agreements aimed at accelerating the adoption of advanced health solutions. Representing Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem, the delegation included key stakeholders such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, and Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa University, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and startAD.
United News of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Hyd: Utopia Therapeutics secures $1.5M investment for developing obesity vaccine
Hyderabad, June 24 (UNI) Utopia Therapeutics, a Hyderabad-based biotech startup focused on developing next-generation vaccines for chronic metabolic conditions including obesity, today announced it has secured seed funding of USD 1.5 million from Whale Tank, a leading early-stage venture firm focused on breakthrough life science innovations. The announcement was made at the BIO International Convention 2025. The proceeds from this round of funding will accelerate the preclinical development of the vaccine, a lead immunotherapeutic candidate targeting obesity, the startup company said in a release here. The novel vaccine is designed to reduce fat accumulation and improve metabolic health by targeting lipid-associated antigens. This investment will also support the advancement of regulatory toxicology studies, IND-enabling milestones, and Phase I human clinical trials of the vaccine. Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund has committed over USD 1.5 million in cumulative investment toward Utopia's therapeutic and consumer health pipeline. The collaboration includes full development funding for UT009, a first-in-class preventive vaccine for obesity and fatty liver disease. UNI KNR SSP
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Business Standard
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Utopia secures $1.5 mn from Whale Tank to develop obesity vaccine
Biotech player in vaccines for chronic metabolic diseases, Utopia Therapeutics, has secured seed funding of $1.5 million from Whale Tank, a leading early-stage venture firm. The announcement was made at the BIO International Convention 2025. The Hyderabad-based company said proceeds from this round of funding will accelerate the preclinical development of UT009, its immunotherapeutic candidate targeting obesity. UT009 is a novel vaccine designed to modulate the immune system to reduce fat accumulation and improve metabolic health by targeting lipid-associated antigens. Uday Saxena and Gopi Kadiyala, founders of Utopia Therapeutics, said: 'We are thrilled to have Whale Tank as a strategic partner in our journey to redefine obesity treatment. Obesity is a global epidemic with limited long-term therapeutic options. UT009 represents a paradigm shift by differentiating it from current obesity drugs by addressing the root causes of weight gain. This investment enables us to move swiftly toward clinical translation.' Jitendra Kumar, managing director, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), noted that the partnership highlights the strength of India's translational biotech ecosystem. The development of a vaccine for metabolic disorders, along with a regenerative product pipeline emerging from India and entering global markets, showcases both the country's scientific depth and entrepreneurial maturity. Furthermore, the funding will support the advancement of UT009 towards regulatory toxicology studies, IND-enabling milestones and Phase I human clinical trials. Whale Tank's managing partner, Markandeya Gorantla, added: 'Utopia's approach is bold, scientifically rigorous, and offers enormous potential to disrupt the obesity market. We are excited to support their mission of bringing immunotherapeutics to the forefront of chronic disease management.'
Hans India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Biotech breakthrough: UoH alumni launch strategic partnership
Hyderabad: In a significant achievement for alumni-led biotech investment and translational entrepreneurship, Dr Uday Saxena and Dr Markandeya Gorantla, graduates of the University of Hyderabad, have signed a term sheet to fund Utopia Therapeutics Pvt Ltd, an early-stage deep-tech startup. This important announcement was made at the BIO International Convention 2025, held in Boston on June 19. The Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund, which collaborates with the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) as a knowledge partner and is supported by Prof. Reddanna Pallu and Dr. Ratnakar Palakodeti, highlights the impactful contributions of University of Hyderabad alumni Dr. Saxena and Dr. Gorantla to the global biotech landscape. The signing event was attended by Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of BIRAC, along with key leaders from ABLE and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). The Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund is set to commit over USD 1.5 million in total support to Utopia Therapeutics. This vital funding will advance the development of Utopia's lead asset, UT009, a first-in-class vaccine designed to combat obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Additionally, the investment will strengthen Utopia's pipeline of UT18-based regenerative health products, enhancing infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities, and go-to-market strategies. Dr. Jitendra Kumar, MD of BIRAC, stated, 'This partnership reflects the strength of India's translational biotech ecosystem. A vaccine for metabolic disorders and a regenerative product pipeline emerging from India and entering global markets demonstrate the scientific depth and entrepreneurial maturity that BIRAC has consistently supported. It's especially gratifying to witness this in my presence. I'm pleased to see that some of the companies now being funded by Whale Tank were previously supported by BIRAC. This is a great enabling system — we've always envisioned such investor-driven support for Indian deep-tech science.' Dr. Uday Saxena, Co-Founder of Utopia Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd., said, 'We were deeply impressed by Utopia's science and clarity of purpose. The UT18 platform has demonstrated multi-tissue regenerative potential, and with Whale Tank's support, we are investing not just in products but in a future of preventive and regenerative health.' This collaboration marks a significant milestone for India's evolving biotech investment landscape, as well as for innovative product discovery and development. It exemplifies how scientific innovation, strategic capital, and experienced mentorship from institutions like the University of Hyderabad can converge through a national innovation pipeline with global ambitions. Co-founded by University of Hyderabad alumni Dr. Uday Saxena and Dr. Markandeya Gorantla, with FABA as a knowledge partner, the Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund focuses on identifying and investing in early-stage deep-tech startups in the biotech sector, fostering innovation, mentorship, and translational entrepreneurship. The Whale Tank Biocatalyst Fund's portfolio includes a diverse range of innovative companies, showcasing India's commitment to bio-strategic sovereignty and investment in critical areas for human and environmental health.
