AstraZeneca, G42 Healthcare ink deal to develop innovative drugs in Abu Dhabi

UAE – Biopharma giant AstraZeneca and G42 Healthcare, an AI-powered healthcare company, have teamed up to locally manufacture innovative drugs in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The strategic partnership deal will build on the ongoing efforts of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) in spearheading Abu Dhabi’s healthcare ecosystem that enables transforming patient outcomes.

“The binding agreement focuses on collaboration in four key areas including localizing innovative industries, research and development, innovation and sustainability at a global scale,” the DoH said.

SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Gastroenterology Association (SGA) has joined forces with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited with an aim to advance inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The partnership will focus on strategic healthcare areas including identifying how existing healthcare resources can be better optimized for IBD treatment, establishing modern

Hospitals

diagnosis methods, supporting education, and expanding patients’ access to treatment.

Commenting on the deal, SGA Chairman Prof. Majid AlMadi noted: “With the growing popularity of fast-food and high-stress levels, the incidence rate of IBD in Saudi is rising across all age groups and the illness imposes significant costs to our healthcare sector.”

He highlighted that the partnership with Takeda will support ongoing efforts to improve understanding of IBD symptoms as well as enhance diagnosis and treatment plans.

“As Saudi Arabia undertakes one of the largest transformation efforts of its health sector to deliver a system that ensures access, quality, and value, we are working to ensure IBD care remains at the top of the agenda.” the SGA Chairman said.

It cements the Emirate’s position as a powerhouse for medical research and innovation in life sciences and is the latest in a series of longstanding partnerships with key players in industrial sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, the agreement is in line with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative, which aims to enhance the UAE’s business environment and position as an attractive destination for local and global industrial investors.

ETHIOPIA – Black Lion, the largest referral hospital in Ethiopia, has announced plans to build its own private hospital within the next five to ten years as the hospital strives for autonomy from the Federal Government and financial self-sufficiency. The hospital, which is under Addis Ababa University, will continue to provide free and lowcost services while building its own private hospital.

Andualem Deneke (MD), CEO of the College of Health Sciences under Addis Ababa University says the private hospital aims to generate additional revenue from hospital services and increase pay for its employees, which is a frequently asked question. The organizational structure of the private establishment will be independent from Black Lion Specialized Hospital and it will sprawl on the 15 hectares of land given to the hospital for expansion. A guideline has also been prepared to open a public laboratory that is easily accessible. A new diagnostic and laboratory service is also being built now and it will be integrated into the regular operations of Black Lion Hospital.