DoH and MSD Build on their Long-standing Partnership to Advance Clinical Research on Lung Cancer

5 Jun, 2024:

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSD a leading biopharmaceutical company, during the BIO International Convention 2024 in San Diego, USA. Expanding both parties’ long-standing partnership, DoH and MSD aim to advance cancer research, with a particular focus on lung cancer clinical trials in Abu Dhabi.

In the presence of H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Dr. Ernesto Munoz-Elias, AVP of Biology-Discovery at MSD Research Laboratories (MRL), the MoU was signed by Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH and Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director of MSD GCC. This marks the fourth collaboration between both entities in just over two years, underscoring their joint commitment to advance healthcare and foster innovation in Abu Dhabi.

As a reflection to Abu Dhabi’s advanced life sciences infrastructure, the Department and MSD seek to provide innovative cancer therapies to patients, leveraging the expertise and resources of both organisations to elevate the standards of clinical research in the Emirate, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's position as a pioneer in precision medicine.

Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare and life science, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is proud to build on the long-standing collaboration with our esteemed and strategic partners at MSD GCC. As we continue to face the complexities of healthcare challenges, DoH remains committed to leveraging the latest breakthroughs hand in hand with global partners to advance research and clinical trials which will ultimately drive innovation and improve healthcare outcomes.”

Within the framework of the partnership, MSD is set to conduct a study on a new investigational anti-cancer drug at two prominent healthcare institutions in the Emirate, Burjeel Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director of MSD GCC, shared his views on the ongoing partnership: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, which has already brought forward innovation to save and improve lives in the Emirate. By joining our forces, we aim to further elevate the clinical research capabilities in Abu Dhabi and drive medical education targeted at healthcare providers to equip them with the latest knowledge and data to conduct clinical research.”

Led by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), a high-profile Abu Dhabi delegation headed by His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the DoH, is visiting the United States of America (USA) between May 30^th,2024 and June 6^th,2024 to showcase the Emirate’s partnership opportunities and explore collaboration with leading organizations in Research and Development (R&D), manufacturing and innovation. Kicking-off in Philadelphia, delegates have met with existing and new partners to foster collaboration with leading education research institutions, governmental bodies and health-tech giants. The transnational mission has culminated in San Diego, coinciding with Abu Dhabi’s participation at BIO International Convention 2024 to exhibit the Emirate’s growth and development of its biotechnology industry. The participation has witnessed in-depth discussions, shared insights and expertise as well as explored collaborations in health-tech, life science and innovation. 

Highlighting the rich diversity and expertise within Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem, the Delegation comprised of 20 key entities including the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Executive Office (ADEO), G42, Masdar City, Mubadala Investment Company, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group (KEZAD), Malaffi, The Medical Office, Ambulatory Healthcare Services, PureHealth, One Health, M42, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Burjeel Holdings, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi Holding Company (ADQ), Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre (ADSCC) and Etihad Airways.