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 the 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 informed in an official statement.

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.

According to the Department of Health, G42 Healthcare and AstraZeneca outlined a multi-year comprehensive process to manufacture innovative drugs in Abu Dhabi in consideration of the emirate’s robust healthcare infrastructure.

The partnership factors in the Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Strategy in doubling the size of the manufacturing sector by 2031. In its essence, the agreement will expand Abu Dhabi’s footprint in life science research and development as well as enable innovation across all streams of healthcare,” the DoH stated.

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.

Creating a transformative shift in the traditional healthcare paradigm in Abu Dhabi, the agreement contributes to the ongoing efforts to establish a competitive knowledge-based economy by unlocking the potential of the UAE’s national capabilities,” outlined the Department of Health.

The strategic deal will accelerate innovation across local manufacturing and allow all parties to explore greater possibilities in clinical research with an aim to deliver life-changing treatments to patients in the UAE and across the region.

The signing ceremony was presided over by Ashish Koshy, Chief Executive Officer of G42 Healthcare, and Pelin Incesu, Area Vice President, Middle East and Africa at AstraZeneca.

In the presence of HE Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of DoH, Pascal Soriot, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at AstraZeneca, HE Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of DoH, and Peng Xiao, Group Chief Executive Officer at G42.

In addition, an esteemed delegation representing various government bodies witnessed the monumental signing which included Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

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