Abu Dhabi: Ministry of Health and Illumina Collaborate to Advance Genomics and Precision Medicine
November 2022
The Abu Dhabi Ministry of Health and Population (MoHAP) has partnered with Illumina, Inc., a global leader in genomics technology, to enhance research capabilities in genomics and precision medicine within the emirate. This collaboration aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a hub for genomic research and innovation, utilizing Illumina’s cutting-edge sequencing platforms and expertise in data analysis.
Purpose of the Partnership
The partnership will focus on several key areas: *
Population-scale genomics studies:
Conducting large-scale genomic sequencing studies on the population of Abu Dhabi to identify genetic variants associated with prevalent diseases and conditions. *
Personalized medicine and treatment:
Developing precision medicine approaches that tailor treatments to individual patients based on their genetic profiles, improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. *
Preventive healthcare and early detection:
Using genomic information to identify individuals at high risk for certain diseases and develop proactive strategies for prevention and early intervention.
Advanced Genomics Technologies
Illumina will provide MoHAP with access to its latest sequencing technologies, including the NovaSeq 6000 and iSeq 100, which offer high accuracy, throughput, and cost-effectiveness. These platforms will enable researchers to perform whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and targeted gene sequencing studies on a large scale.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
To analyze the vast amount of genomic data generated, the partnership will utilize Illumina’s cloud-based BaseSpace Sequence Hub platform. This platform provides secure data storage, automated analysis pipelines, and powerful visualization tools to facilitate research and collaboration.
Clinical Implementation
The Ministry of Health plans to integrate genomic information into clinical practice, enabling healthcare providers to make more informed treatment decisions. This will be particularly important in areas such as cancer diagnosis, personalized drug selection, and genetic counseling.
Impact on Healthcare
The collaboration between MoHAP and Illumina is expected to have a transformative impact on healthcare in Abu Dhabi and beyond. By advancing genomics research, the partnership will: * Improve the understanding of disease etiology and progression. * Enable the development of innovative therapies and personalized treatment plans. * Reduce healthcare costs by identifying patients at high risk and providing preventative care. * Enhance the overall health and well-being of the population.
Commitment to Innovation
The collaboration between MoHAP and Illumina demonstrates the emirate’s commitment to innovation and the advancement of healthcare. By harnessing the power of genomics, Abu Dhabi aims to become a global leader in precision medicine and improve the lives of its citizens.
Abu Dhabi: Ministry of Health and Illumina Collaborate to Advance Genomics and Precision Medicine
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
– The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and Illumina, Inc., a global leader in genomics technology, have announced a collaboration to expand research in genomics and precision medicine in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Key Points:
* The partnership aims to establish a national genomic infrastructure for research and clinical applications. * It will leverage Illumina’s sequencing technologies and bioinformatics expertise. * The collaboration will focus on areas such as cancer research, rare disease diagnosis, and personalized healthcare.
Significance:
The collaboration marks a significant step in the UAE’s efforts to become a leader in genomics research and precision medicine. Genomics has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding disease mechanisms, developing new treatments, and tailoring medical interventions to individual patients.
Joint Research Initiatives:
The partnership will support joint research initiatives led by MoHAP and Illumina. These initiatives will focus on: * Cancer genomics: Improving cancer diagnosis, treatment selection, and monitoring. * Rare disease diagnosis: Identifying genetic causes of rare and undiagnosed diseases. * Personalized healthcare: Developing individualized treatment plans based on genetic profiles.
Infrastructure and Capacity Building:
In addition to research projects, the collaboration will involve the establishment of a world-class genomic infrastructure in the UAE. This infrastructure will include sequencing facilities, bioinformatics pipelines, and data storage capabilities. The partnership will also provide training and capacity building programs to develop a highly skilled workforce in genomics and precision medicine.
Quotes:
* Dr. Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention: “This collaboration with Illumina will allow us to accelerate our genomics research and innovation, bringing significant benefits to patients in the UAE.” * Susan Tousi, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Illumina: “We are thrilled to partner with MoHAP and contribute to the advancement of genomics in the UAE. Together, we will empower researchers and clinicians with the tools they need to improve patient care.”