Latest news with #HasanJasemAlNowais
Gulf News
17-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
UAE: Worried about Alzheimer's risks? Early detection through a blood test offers hope
Abu Dhabi: In a major step towards reducing Alzheimer's cases in the UAE and beyond, a new world-class diagnostic facility dedicated to early detection through a simple blood test will soon be established in Abu Dhabi. Announced on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) – part of the M42 Group – will open the region's first Center for Advanced Neuro Biochemical Diagnostics in partnership with Neurocode International, a global leader of neurology diagnostic solutions. Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder, gradually affects memory, thinking, learning and organisational skills. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-70 per cent of cases. Early detection of Alzheimer's is crucial for managing symptoms and slowing the disease's progression. However, traditional diagnostic methods are often invasive, typically involving spinal cord needle extraction, which results in low early detection rates. Screening from age 40 Equipped with top-notch laboratory equipment and staffed by renowned neurologists and pathologists, the centre will offer blood-based testing for patients as young as 40, ensuring timely intervention and significantly improving patient outcomes. Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group CEO of M42, said: 'This centre will revolutionise the early, proactive detection of Alzheimer's, underscoring our dedication to and the importance of preventive health. By focusing on early intervention, we aim to reduce the impact of Alzheimer's and improve the quality of life for patients in the UAE and beyond.' Expert-led research The centre aims to establish the world's most advanced clinical diagnostic laboratory for brain disorders, guiding global clinicians in precision detection and ushering in a new era of neurological diagnostics. Its research will be published in top scientific journals, sharing findings with the wider medical community. The laboratory will offer world-class technology and clinical infrastructure, ensuring standardised test levels and cut-offs across leading laboratories for consistent, high-quality care. Dr Laila AbdelWareth, CEO, NRL, said the centre sets a 'new benchmark' in neurological diagnostics worldwide. It will accelerate early and accurate diagnostics of Alzheimer's, significantly improving patient outcomes. Expert-led research into neurological diagnostics will be a cornerstone of the centre with a full-time lab-based professor of neurology. Prof Henrik Zetterberg, an expert in the development of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and its diagnosis, and Prof Kaj Blennow, recognised for his instrumental role in developing early diagnostic tools for the disease, will be off-site expert consultants for the centre. Dr Hans Frykman, CEO, Neurocode International, added: 'With a team of the most experienced and renowned scientists in the field, we are poised to guide physicians in the Middle East and globally towards early and accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer's and other brain disorders.'
Khaleej Times
16-04-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi's M42 partners with UK firm to develop AI-driven therapeutics for age-related diseases
Abu Dhabi's M42 has announced a partnership and investment in UK-based longevity biotech leader Juvenescence. The new alliance is aimed at discovering and developing AI-enabled therapeutics to advance the treatment of life-threatening and age-related diseases and improve healthy lifespan. M42 and Juvenescence will harness the power of artificial intelligence, genomics, and biobanking to accelerate clinical trials and bring transformative medicines to market faster. The collaboration was revealed during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW), where M42 is a Foundational Partner. 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.' Age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent due to growing global life expectancy. With the UAE actively pursuing advanced solutions to address the healthcare needs of its aging population, this partnership comes at a critical time. Al Nowais added, '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.' From Abu Dhabi to the world Further, the partnership will aim to identify novel drug targets and therapeutics, as well as explore collaboration in R&D with leading academic and research organisations globally and support the development of the country's biotechnology strategy. 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, '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, ' 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 health span of patients globally.'
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
M42 announces strategic investment, partnership with leading biotech Juvenescence
M42, a global health leader powered by artificial intelligence (AI), technology and genomics, today announces 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 15 to 17 April 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 operating structure announced recently. 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 organizations globally and support 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 recognized 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.
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
M42's NRL and Neurocode International launch region-first Center for Advanced Neuro Biochemical Diagnostics
Equipped with world-class laboratory equipment and staffed by renowned neurologists and pathologists, the Center for Advanced Neuro Biochemical Diagnostics will offer non-invasive testing for patients as young as 40, enabling early detection and helping reduce Alzheimer's cases in the UAE and the wider region Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Setting a new regional benchmark in the fight against Alzheimer's disease, the National Reference Laboratory (NRL), part of the M42 Group, is establishing the MENA region's first Center for Advanced Neuro Biochemical Diagnostics dedicated to early detection, in partnership with Neurocode International, global leader of neurology diagnostic solutions. Announced on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, this Center for Advanced Neuro Biochemical Diagnostics, based in Abu Dhabi, is a pioneering step toward reducing Alzheimer's cases in the UAE and wider region and transforming neurological diagnostics worldwide. Alzheimer's disease is a major health issue, affecting over 57 million people globally as of 2021. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-70 per cent of cases, and this number is on the rise [1]. Early detection of Alzheimer's is crucial for managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. However, traditional diagnostic methods are often invasive, typically involving spinal cord needle extraction, which results in low early detection rates. The Center for Advanced Neuro Biochemical Diagnostics aims to revolutionize Alzheimer's diagnosis by offering screening as early as age 40 through cutting-edge blood-based tests, ensuring timely intervention and significantly improving patient outcomes. Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group CEO of M42, said: 'Launching the region's first Center for Advanced Neuro Biochemical Diagnostics marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing healthcare. This center will revolutionize the early, proactive detection of Alzheimer's, underscoring our dedication to and the importance of preventive health. By focusing on early intervention, we aim to reduce the impact of Alzheimer's and improve the quality of life for patients in the UAE and beyond.' The center aims to establish the world's most advanced clinical diagnostic laboratory for brain disorders, guiding global clinicians in precision detection and ushering in a new era of neurological diagnostics. Its research will be published in top scientific journals, sharing findings with the wider medical community. The laboratory will also offer world-class technology and clinical infrastructure, ensuring standardized test levels and cut-offs across leading laboratories for consistent, high-quality care. Dr. Laila AbdelWareth, Chief Executive Officer, NRL, said: 'The establishment of the Center for Advanced Neuro Biochemical Diagnostics marks a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer's and other neurological disorders, with a sharp focus on advancing preventive health through precision detection. By collaborating with Neurocode International, we are setting a new benchmark in neurological diagnostics worldwide that will accelerate early and accurate diagnostics of Alzheimer's, significantly improving patient outcomes.' Expert-led research into neurological diagnostics will be a cornerstone of the Center for Advanced Neuro Biochemical Diagnostics, with a full-time lab-based professor of neurology, with dementia training from Gothenburg University. Prof, Henrik Zetterberg, MD, PhD, expert in the development of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and its diagnosis, and Prof. Kaj Blennow, MD, PhD, who is recognized for his instrumental role in developing early diagnostic tools for the disease, will both be off-site expert consultants for the Center. Dr. Hans Frykman, Chief Executive Officer, Neurocode International, added: 'We are delighted to announce the partnership with the visionary NRL to establish the world's leading clinical laboratory for brain disorders. With a team of the most experienced and renowned scientists in the field, we are poised to guide physicians in the Middle East and globally towards early and accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer's and other brain disorders. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in advancing neurological diagnostics and patient care." The launch marks not only a first for the MENA region but also a new era in global Alzheimer's research. By emphasizing proactive prevention, the Center for Advanced Neuro Biochemical Diagnostics aims to redefine the standard of care and significantly reduce the prevalence of Alzheimer's in the UAE and beyond. About National Reference Laboratory National Reference Laboratory (NRL), an M42 company, is focused on increasing the spectrum, coverage and overall efficiency of laboratory testing in the UAE. It implements international best practice reference laboratory processes and aims to set the benchmark for quality standards in the region. Relying on its extensive expertise in pathology, NRL offers a comprehensive menu of tests relevant to the UAE and the wider region, with 98% of these performed inhouse. It therefore offers a complete solution for all clinical testing needs in an efficient and high-quality environment that reduces both turnaround time and logistics-related costs, compared with other laboratories. NRL has one of the largest CAP-accredited (College of American Pathologists) laboratory networks in the Middle East, which includes three owned laboratories – one in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai – and the management of all of Mubadala Health partners onsite laboratories, such as those of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre and Healthpoint. NRL also fully manages the laboratories of several large private hospitals in the UAE. For more information, please visit 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. For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact: Mazar Masud Senior Director, Global Corporate Communications, M42 E: mmasud@ Asala Fadda Senior Manager, Group Marketing & Communications, M42 E: afadda@ About Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW) ADGHW is a major government initiative from DoH and serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration under the theme 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.' It places a strong emphasis on community-driven health and well-being, with a proactive approach centred around preventive, personalised, and holistic care. Four core themes will guide discussions and initiatives: Longevity and Precision Health; Health System Resilience & Sustainability; Digital Health & AI; and Investment in Life Sciences. By convening diverse stakeholders from around the world, ADGHW is a community without borders that seeks to advance the future of health and well-being. ADGHW 2025 offers complimentary visitor passes that grant access to the event's Start Up Zone, live stage sessions and exhibition hall featuring 150 global leaders in health. For more information, visit [1]
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
M42 announces strategic investment and partnership with leading biotech Juvenescence
M42 and Juvenescence will collaborate in drug discovery to develop a pipeline of innovative medicines to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases of high unmet need within UAE and globally and age-related diseases M42's strategic investment in Juvenescence will accelerate Juvenescence's clinical pipeline and drug development capabilities which underscores this collaboration Expansion of capabilities in AI-enabled therapeutics underlines Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a global hub for AI-driven longevity science and next-generation drug development Abu Dhabi – M42, a global health leader powered by artificial intelligence (AI), technology and genomics, today announces 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 15 to 17 April 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 operating structure announced recently. 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 organizations globally and support 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. Commenting on M42's investment and life sciences ambition, 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 recognized 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. * In addition to Richard Marshall, CEO, the Juvenescence team consists of Jim Mellon, Deputy Chair and Founder of the Longevity Forum; Dr. Greg Bailey, Executive Chair; Dr. Declan Doogan, Director; Gillian Dines, Chief Scientific Officer; and, Dr. Steve Felstead, Chief Medical Officer. The Juvenescence development team have previously been instrumental in the approval of medicines totaling $30bn in peak annual sales. The track record of the co-founders (Jim, Greg and Declan), who have invested almost $100m in Juvenescence, have led two of the biggest 10 biopharma deals in the last decade including in May 2022 as Biohaven was acquired by Pfizer for USD $11.6 billion (having originally purchased 54% of Biohaven for USD $3.5 million). They were also involved in the initial financing for Medivation, which was later acquired by Pfizer for $14.3 billion, delivering over 200x returns. 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 biobanking, 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. For more information, visit: For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact: Mazar Masud Senior Director, Global Corporate Communications, M42 E: mmasud@ Asala Fadda Senior Manager, Group Marketing & Communications, M42 E: afadda@ ABOUT JUVENESCENCE Juvenescence is a clinical-stage AI-enabled biotech company developing novel medicines to extend healthy lifespan. Our approach centers around developing medicines that target core aging mechanisms to treat & prevent age-related diseases. It was founded by Jim Mellon, Dr Greg Bailey and Dr Declan Doogan - with a track record of leading 2 of the 10 largest biopharma deals in the last decade, including the sale of Biohaven to Pfizer for $11.6bn. The Juvenescence team, led by Dr Richard Marshall CBE, consists of world-class R&D leadership that have previously been instrumental in the approval of medicines totalling $30bn in peak annual sales. Powered by an unrivaled drug development team, we leverage cutting-edge AI tools to unlock successful therapeutics. Our diverse, AI-enabled medicines pipeline of clinical and near-clinical stage candidates targeting core ageing mechanisms are in development for cognition, cardio-metabolism, immunity and cellular repair. In addition, Juvenescence has investments in a number of cutting-edge companies and platform technologies focused on AI and regenerative medicine. For more information, visit: About Abu Dhabi Global Health Week (ADGHW): ADGHW is a major government initiative from DoH and serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration under the theme 'Towards Longevity: Redefining Health and Well-being.' It places a strong emphasis on community-driven health and well-being, with a proactive approach centred around preventive, personalised, and holistic care. Four core themes will guide discussions and initiatives: Longevity and Precision Health; Health System Resilience & Sustainability; Digital Health & AI; and Investment in Life Sciences. By convening diverse stakeholders from around the world, ADGHW is a community without borders that seeks to advance the future of health and well-being. ADGHW 2025 offers complimentary visitor passes that grant access to the event's Start Up Zone, live stage sessions and exhibition hall featuring 150 global leaders in health. For more information, visit
