Latest news with #HevolutionFoundation
Arab News
17-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
How AI is decoding multi-omics data to boost health and longevity in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is embracing the future of healthcare by integrating artificial intelligence and omics-based diagnostics to deliver personalized, preventive care. This is part of a broader transformation that frames longevity not just as an individual aspiration but a national priority. Central to this transformation is the integration of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics disciplines into clinical practice — powered by AI. Leading the charge is Rewind, a Saudi Arabia-based company using the technology to pioneer proactive, individualized care. 'At Rewind, we harness the power of AI and omics technologies to shift healthcare from a generalized, reactive model to one that is deeply personalized and proactive,' Dr. Walid Zaher, the founder of Rewind, told Arab News. 'AI is the engine that makes this vast data actionable. It identifies patterns, predicts health risks, and recommends the most effective interventions for each individual.' He said that 'such a dynamic, data-driven approach' enables healthcare to be 'as unique as the patient it serves.' • Integrating AI with omics-based diagnostics supports early disease detection and predicts health risks. • In cancer care, AI and genomics are used together to match patients with the most effective targeted therapies. • Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK are making major investments in the integration of AI and omics. Omics refers to a group of biological fields ending with the suffix '-omics,' each examining a different layer of biological data on a system-wide scale. Together, they offer a comprehensive view of how the body functions. Transitioning from this broad understanding to actionable insights requires AI's ability to analyze trillions of variables across DNA, protein expression, metabolic changes, and epigenetic shifts. This capability allows practitioners to intervene earlier and more accurately than ever. 'Omics-based diagnostics have already begun to make a profound impact on patient outcomes,' said Zaher. 'The precision enabled by genomics and multi-omics technologies allows us to detect diseases at their earliest molecular stages — often well before any clinical symptoms appear. 'Beyond disease detection, multi-omics approaches help in monitoring disease progression and response to treatments. The result has been an increase in patient satisfaction, as they experience better health outcomes and more personalized care.' Saudi Arabia's commitment to health innovation is evident in both its infrastructure and ambition. National initiatives like the Saudi Genome Program and investments through the Hevolution Foundation are driving the development of a knowledge-based healthcare system aligned with Vision 2030. 'Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has made healthcare innovation a strategic priority,' said Zaher. 'The government has invested heavily in infrastructure that supports cutting-edge research, particularly in AI, genomics, and biotechnology.' This focus is positioning Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global longevity economy, according to Dmitry Kaminskiy, a co-founder and managing partner of Deep Knowledge Group. 'Saudi Arabia and its GCC counterparts are strategically positioned to be not just participants but global pioneers in the longevity economy,' Kaminskiy told Arab News. 'With Vision 2030, the Kingdom has set the foundation for integrating economic diversification, healthcare innovation, and AI governance — all key components of a national longevity strategy.' Kaminskiy, who has authored multiple books on AI and healthspan, believes that AI has shifted from a supporting role to something far more central to the field. 'We are now witnessing a paradigm shift where AI is not just an assistant but the architect of next-generation healthcare platforms,' he said. 'Just as fintech redefined personal finance, AI will redefine personal health.' Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain in mainstreaming AI and omics-based care into national systems. Zaher of Rewind noted that overcoming these hurdles will require both technological and cultural shifts. 'Integrating AI and precision medicine into a national healthcare system comes with several challenges, the most pressing of which is the need for a robust data infrastructure,' he said. 'Healthcare data is often fragmented or siloed, making it difficult to create a cohesive system that AI can utilize effectively.' Another critical challenge is training healthcare providers to engage with this new era of medicine. Zaher said the integration of AI and precision medicine into clinical practice demands 'a level of technological literacy that has yet to become widespread across the healthcare workforce. 'We need targeted training programs that equip providers with the skills to interpret AI-generated insights and translate them into actionable, patient-centered care,' he added. Looking ahead, Kaminskiy said establishing ethical data governance will be vital to ensuring progress. 'Data is the lifeblood of AI-powered longevity,' he said. 'But it is not just the amount of data that matters — it is the ownership, security, and ethical governance of that data that will define the winners in this domain.' The Hevolution Foundation is playing a key role in funding and shaping the longevity research agenda in the region. According to Zaher, it is 'poised to play a pivotal role in accelerating global healthspan science by providing the funding and resources necessary to drive innovation in aging research. 'Through supporting projects that focus on extending healthspan and preventing age-related diseases, Hevolution is helping to set a global standard for longevity science,' he added. As Saudi Arabia expands its investment in AI-driven healthcare and global collaborations deepen, the boundaries between technology, biology, and medicine are blurring — bringing the goal of healthy aging closer to reality.
Al-Ahram Weekly
08-02-2025
- Health
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Saudi Arabia Hosts Global Summit on Healthy Longevity - Health - Life & Style
Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing ageing research with the successful conclusion of the Global Summit on Healthy Longevity in Riyadh. Organized by the Hevolution Foundation, the summit brought together over 2,000 participants from 80 countries and 150 international speakers to discuss groundbreaking advancements in ageing-related disease treatments and longevity science. Speaking to Al-Ahram, Princess Dr Haya bint Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, Senior Vice President of Research at Hevolution Foundation, emphasized that geroscience is a rapidly evolving field with immense potential. She highlighted the foundation's commitment to funding and supporting global research aimed at the early detection and prevention of ageing-related diseases. Established in 2018 by Royal Decree, Hevolution Foundation operates under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The organization follows a three-year funding cycle that prioritizes investments based on scientific data, including life expectancy trends, demographic shifts, and the prevalence of chronic diseases. Princess Dr Haya stressed that healthy ageing is a top priority for Saudi Arabia, given its direct impact on economic and social well-being. She called for global collaboration to develop effective ageing solutions with declining birth rates and ageing populations on the rise worldwide. 'If we can establish scientifically proven lifestyle strategies and safe preventive treatments, we can ensure that people remain healthy, active, and economically productive for longer periods,' she explained. She acknowledged the high cost and long-term nature of ageing research but reaffirmed Hevolution's commitment to funding leading researchers worldwide. The foundation provides grants, research funding, and training opportunities at top scientific institutions. Hevolution also offers prestigious research prizes to encourage innovation and competition and fosters collaborations with global health institutions and governments. The summit addressed several critical areas in longevity science. Experts explored strategies for preventing chronic illnesses and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and medical advancements. The role of artificial intelligence and robotics in elderly care was a focal point, showcasing how emerging technologies can improve healthcare systems and enhance quality of life. Discussions also delved into the significance of proper nutrition and physical activity, examining how lifestyle choices contribute to prolonged health and vitality. Mental health was another key topic, with experts highlighting the need for preventive measures to address depression and anxiety in older adults, ensuring psychological well-being as part of a holistic approach to longevity. Short link:
Arab News
04-02-2025
- Health
- Arab News
People around the world want to remain healthy into old age, says Hevolution's CEO
RIYADH: People around the world want to remain healthy and independent into old age, according to the chief executive of Saudi Arabia's Hevolution Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to extending healthy human lifespan. 'We at Hevolution do not like to use the word longevity,' said Mehmood Khan, CEO of the Hevolution Foundation, during the opening session of the organization's Global Healthspan Summit in Riyadh on Tuesday, which has Arab News as a media partner. 'Most people that we serve around the world actually don't want to live longer just for the sake of living longer. They want to be independent; they want to be functional mentally and physically,' Khan added. The summit is back for its second edition in Riyadh, with health professionals, decision-makers, and investors gathering until Feb. 5. Most people that we serve around the world actually don't want to live longer just for the sake of living longer. They want to be indepen-dent; they want to be functional mentally and physically. Mehmood Khan, Hevolution Foundation CEO The two-day conference aims to focus on issues surrounding diseases resulting from aging, their impact on society, economics, and overall health. At the same time the event is negotiating investment opportunities to improve the quality of health in the Kingdom and worldwide. Khan added: 'I have to acknowledge Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose vision has led to the creation of Hevolution today. 'His unwavering support, I can tell you, as recently as four or five days ago, he wanted to know if everything was on track.' The CEO further touched on some of the keys for improving healthy human lifespan, including scientific research and the quality of healthcare. He said: 'This is no longer a discussion for a few experts and patients, and I like to use the word consumers because we are in the business of maintaining them as consumers and not becoming patients.' Touching on the networking opportunities presented by the summit, Khan added: 'You are all here in this unique gathering, which is unprecedented anywhere else in the world. This is your opportunity, and your opportunity is to communicate, to figure out how to collaborate, how to convene in smaller groups and subgroups, and to push the boundaries of science. 'For the entrepreneurs in this room, there is no other business in the world that is going to affect every single human in 8 billion people. 'You have the chance to create businesses that will not only give you financial opportunity, given the scale, but will touch the life of every single human being.' He concluded his speech by noting the concept of 'sadaqah jariyah,' an Islamic belief of doing good not only for now but for the long term. Khan added: 'If we do this today, the benefit of this, and the value of this, will not only be seen in our generation but for generations to come. That is a fundamental belief not only for Islam but probably for most faiths.'
Al Arabiya
04-02-2025
- Health
- Al Arabiya
Saudi summit: GLP-1 drugs could revolutionize global health, access remains a challenge
A leading obesity researcher has called for broader access to revolutionary GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy at Saudi Arabia's Global HealthSpan Summit, which is highlighting the importance of longer, healthier lives. Speaking at the second annual Global HealthSpan Summit, organized by the Kingdom's Hevolution Foundation, David Bradley Allison raised crucial questions about the future of GLP-1 drugs, which have shown remarkable effectiveness in treating obesity and potentially extending healthy lifespans. 'Who decides who gets these drugs? Who pays for them?' Allison asked, addressing the ethical considerations surrounding access to these medications. 'Should a person be able to choose to take one of these drugs for their benefits that they perceive, even if it's not judged by mainstream medicine as medically indicated?' Allison questioned, highlighting the tension between personal choice and medical oversight. Addressing concerns about the high cost of GLP-1 drugs, Allison drew parallels with other technologies that became more affordable over time. 'People talk about how it would cripple the economy, but these are predicated on assumptions that the price doesn't come down,' he said. 'Pocket calculators were very expensive in 1970. Now you give pocket calculators away.' The researcher also noted ongoing developments in drug delivery systems, including oral medications currently in development as alternatives to injections, which could potentially increase accessibility and reduce costs. While acknowledging the promise of GLP-1 drugs, Allison emphasized the importance of addressing broader social and economic factors affecting public health. He cited two significant studies demonstrating the impact of environmental and educational factors on obesity rates. The Moving to Opportunity study, a long-term randomized controlled trial by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, showed that people who moved to better housing conditions were less likely to develop obesity and diabetes decades later. Similarly, the Abecedarian study revealed that early intervention programs focusing on education and parent training led to lower obesity rates, particularly among women and girls. When asked about potential policy solutions, Allison advocated for a freedom-oriented approach rather than restrictions. 'I like giving things, not taking things,' he said, suggesting that government action should focus on making anti-obesity medications more accessible while ensuring proper informed consent. The summit was organized by the Hevolution Foundation, established by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman through a royal decree. The foundation commits over one billion dollars annually to research aimed at extending healthy human lifespans, representing one of the largest investments in longevity science globally. The non-profit foundation aims to democratize access to healthspan science to benefit all of humanity, marking a significant shift in Saudi Arabia's role in global health research. The discussion comes at a time when GLP-1 drugs have gained significant attention for their effectiveness in treating obesity and potential implications for healthy aging. These medications work by mimicking hormones that influence appetite, fullness, and digestion, representing a potentially transformative approach to treating obesity and related conditions.
Mid East Info
27-01-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
Saudi Arabia Leads Global Movement in Healthspan Science: Over 2,000 Experts to Convene for Hevolution's Global Healthspan Summit 2025
The World's Largest Gathering on Aging Biology and Healthspan Science Returns to Riyadh The Global Healthspan Summit will identify new pathways and frameworks to develop and create impact around living healthier, longer, known as 'healthspan'. Taking place in Riyadh on February 4 and 5, 2025, over 150 international speakers from the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East will convene during more than 80 sessions and six stages. Riyadh,January 2025 — Hevolution Foundation is set to host its second Global Healthspan Summit (GHS 2025) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 4-5, 2025. The Summit will bring together over 2,000 of the brightest minds and leaders, including researchers, scientists, policymakers, venture capitalists, big pharma, biotech, international organizations, and innovators dedicated to addressing aging biology and advancing the emerging healthspan science field to tackle one of humanity's most pressing challenges: the global aging crisis. Building on the overwhelming success of the inaugural summit in 2023, GHS 2025 will feature over 150 international speakers, covering the latest breakthroughs in geroscience, aging biology, and the science of healthspan—the concept of living healthier, longer lives. As a Saudi global non-profit organization, Hevolution Foundation embodies Saudi Arabia's commitment to being at the forefront of scientific innovation and global healthspan research. Hevolution Foundation's mission aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, emphasizing enhanced quality of life and the development of a world-class healthcare sector. 'This summit is a testament to Saudi Arabia's leadership to transform the way we approach aging and health,' said Dr. Mehmood Khan, CEO of Hevolution Foundation. 'Under the theme 'Architecting The Future,' we are convening the world's most influential voices to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and deliver solutions that can improve lives for generations to come.' The event will feature more than 80 sessions across six stages, tackling cutting-edge advancements in healthspan science, aging biology, and the role of technology in revolutionizing healthcare systems to support an aging global population. Key themes include: Strategic Investments: Showcasing Saudi Arabia's $400 million commitment over three years to advancing healthspan science through grants, partnerships, and startup investments. Global Healthspan Research: Highlighting research on aging biology from around the world, with a focus on Saudi Arabia's contributions. The Role of AI and Science: Exploring how artificial intelligence and other technologies are shaping the future of health and aging. The summit will also shine a spotlight on local innovation, with a dedicated stage, The Plaza, where 12 biotech startups will compete in a Shark Tank-style competition for a monetary prize and mentorship from global biotech leaders. Esteemed judges for this competition include H.R.H. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder and CEO, KBW Ventures, Abdulrahman AlOlayan, CEO of BetaLab, Dr. William Greene, CIO of Hevolution Foundation, and Dr. Christoph Westphal, Co-Founder of Longwood Fund. In 2023, Hevolution hosted the inaugural Global Healthspan Summit, which brought together over 2,000 delegates and 120 speakers from leading organizations, including Eli Lilly, GSK, Harvard, Mayo Clinic, the World Bank, and the World Health Organization. The summit focused on aging, healthcare innovation, and the healthspan ecosystem. During the 2023 event, Hevolution announced over $100 million in new funding to accelerate healthspan research, including $40 million for the Hevolution XPRIZE Healthspan, $16 million for early-career researchers through the American Federation for Aging Research, and $7.1 million for postdoctoral fellowships and scholarships for Saudi scientists. 'Healthspan represents the quality of years lived in good health, free from chronic illness, and Saudi Arabia is taking the lead in shaping this global movement,' said Her Royal Highness Princess Dr. Haya Bint Khaled Bin Bandar Al Saud, Senior Vice President of Research at Hevolution Foundation. 'Through Hevolution, we are driving transformative research and creating opportunities for groundbreaking collaboration and building capability right here in the Kingdom and worldwide.' In its commitment to fostering scientific talent and advancing research in aging biology, Hevolution Foundation is also proud to announce awarding 14 new grantees for the second round of Saudi Arabia Open Call for Grants. This round saw a 20 percent increase in submissions, reflecting growing interest in aging and healthspan research. The new grantees come from seven leading institutions across the Kingdom, including KAIMRC, KAUST, KSU, and others. With a total investment of SAR 20 million over two rounds, these grants aim to support innovative research on aging and healthspan research. The grantees are: King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC): Hassan Alamri Bandar Alghanem Rawan Alnafisah Lubna Alnasser Sameer Mohammad King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST): Leena Ibrahim Nouf Laqtom Bruno Reversade King Saud University (KSU): AlMaarefa University: Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences: University of Tabuk: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University: These researchers are making significant strides in the fields of biological aging, circadian rhythms, biomarkers, and age-related diseases. As a global non-profit based in Saudi Arabia, created by a Royal Order, Hevolution Foundation represents the Kingdom's commitment to advancing healthspan science, aligning with the progressive vision of Saudi Vision 2030 and National Biotech Strategy. Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a driving force in addressing the rapidly aging population and improving quality of life worldwide. The GHS 2025 invites the global community and the people of Saudi Arabia to join this pivotal event and work together to shape a future where healthier, longer lives are a reality for all. About Hevolution Foundation: Hevolution Foundation is a global catalyst, partner, and convener dedicated to extending healthy human lifespans and advancing our understanding of aging. By treating aging as a process that can be addressed, the Foundation works to increase the availability of aging-related treatments, accelerate drug development timelines, and improve access to therapeutics that enhance healthspan—the number of years we live in good health. Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a North American hub and an annual budget of up to $1 billion, Hevolution is the world's largest philanthropic funder in healthspan and aging research. Over the past three years, the Foundation has committed $400 million to advancing research and innovation in this field. With plans to establish offices in additional locations worldwide, the Foundation is on a mission to propel breakthroughs that empower humanity to live healthier, longer lives.
