Abu Dhabi-based M42, a global health leader, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health to launch ‘Uzbek Genome Program’, as part of its mission to expand its foothold in genomics.
The signing ceremony was held at Rotana Beach, Abu Dhabi, between Dr Fahed Al Marzooqi, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at M42, Farhkodjon Tashpulatov, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Health, and Shokhrukh Gulamov, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Investments.
The agreement was signed in the presence of His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of Energy, and Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade.
The MoU highlights both parties’ commitment to growing their strategic partnership on genomics to support the healthcare sector of Uzbekistan.
The partnership aims to collaborate in the fields of genomics, next-generation prevention, novel screening, and diagnostics development in the Republic of Uzbekistan, with projects including;
Developing in-country genomic/omics capabilities to enable an Uzbk Genome Program and a new level of understanding of Uzbek genetic diversity and diseases, as well as other initiatives.
Designing, developing and manufacturing locally and regionally relevant, scalable screening and diagnostic tools to transform early disease identification and prevention.
Supporting the deployment of genetically inherited disease prevention programs including pre-marital, newborn and non-invasive prenatal testing; and expanding to other diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular exercises.
Furthermore, the partnership will support the research, development, manufacturing and export of novel screening and diagnostics that are made in Uzbekistan, as well as knowledge transfer, training, workforce upskilling.
Through its partnerships with the UAE healthcare authorities and institutions on the Emirati Genome Program, M42’s capabilities in building a comprehensive genetic database specific to the local population has allowed healthcare professionals to identify and address the unique genetic factors contributing to disease risk in the UAE.
Building on such expertise, the partnership agreement will explore a build, operate, and transfer model for genomics to benefit the Uzbek people by tackling disease, advancing early detection and transforming the country’s healthcare sector.
Hasan Jasem Al Nowais Group CEO & MD M42
“Our partnership with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health is transformational for Uzbekistan’s healthcare ecosystem, for the Uzbek people and for global diversity in genomics research. With the lack of diversity in genomic research, underrepresented populations in the world are having to go without critical benefits ranging from advanced clinical care to early detection of diseases and rational drug design. Building on the success of the Emirati Genome Program, the Uzbek Genome Program is set to contribute to the effort in plugging the gaps in global healthcare and play a significant role in addressing the root causes of genetic diseases, susceptibility to rare diseases, improving patient outcomes and reducing the long-term burden of chronic diseases for the people of Uzbekistan.”
Dr Fahed Al Marzooqi, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at M42, stated that, “By joining forces with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Health, we are partnering in genomics to shift the country’s healthcare sector from reaction to prevention and bring tangible health benefits for the Uzbek people. At M42, we have built a powerful genomics engine delivering end-to-end capabilities that is delivering one of the world’s largest genomics programs.”
“Genomic research offers unique opportunities to understand the genetic characteristics of the Uzbek population, enabling the creation of targeted programs for early detection and prevention. We are proud to be part of a global initiative in genomic research aimed at improving population health and reducing the burden of chronic diseases,” added Farhkodjon Tashpulatov, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Health.
M42 has established its Omics Center of Excellence in Abu Dhabi into the world’s largest facility outside the US with full end-to-end capabilities and the capacity to sample and sequence up to 400,000 genomes annually.
