The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Eli Lilly Suisse S.A sign Declaration of Collaboration to support clinical research and healthcare innovation

5 Jun, 2023:

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Declaration of Collaboration with Eli Lilly, a global healthcare leader, on the side-lines of the Abu Dhabi mission to the United States. Reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare and life science, the strategic cooperation seeks to establish a framework for collaboration on clinical research, real-world evidence and healthcare technology. 

Witnessed by HE Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Leigh Ann Pusey, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications at Lilly, the Declaration of Collaboration was signed by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Center at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Irina Zaporozhets, Vice President and General Manager Middle East at Lilly. 
In line with Abu Dhabi’s healthcare ambitions, both parties will drive clinical research and life science activities in the Emirate with focus on oncology, diabetes and neurological diseases. Furthermore, DoH and Eli Lilly will work together to explore innovations that address global healthcare challenges while leveraging Abu Dhabi’s evolving healthcare and life-science infrastructure and capabilities. 

Through this collaboration, the Emirate seeks to initiate grand partnerships with leading global companies to exchange knowledge and expertise in line with international standards and best practices.  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. In reflection of Abu Dhabi’s diverse ecosystem, DoH and Lilly will explore the opportunity of cooperating in the field of health services and life-sciences to drive better healthcare outcomes locally and regionally. 
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 and advanced therapeutics. The joint-collaboration will aid in the acceleration of developing new treatments for diseases, improve healthcare outcomes and contribute to the health and well-being of the global community. 

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Center at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi said: “Through international collaborations, Abu Dhabi seeks to lead research groups supported by global partners to explore the resilience and sustainability of the healthcare sector worldwide as well as provide quality care to patients. Under the directives of our wise leadership, Abu Dhabi is paving the way for the region’s transformative journey through innovation, life science and valuable partnerships with global players in the field. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) is proud to partner with Eli Lilly to further improve healthcare outcomes while providing quality care and breakthrough treatments to patients in Abu Dhabi and beyond.” 

Irina Zaporozhets, Vice President and General Manager Middle East at Lilly said: “Our collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi reflects Lilly’s deep commitment to expanding access to our medicines and promoting innovation to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.” She added: “Since its establishment more than 145 years ago, Lilly has been pursuing pharmaceutical innovation, providing high-quality products, and striving to deliver superior outcomes for patients all over the world. We take seriously our responsibility as partners in striving for innovation.”

Nicolas Chemali, Senior Vice President, International Market Access at Lilly confirmed: “We are proud to join hands with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, who plays a paramount role in the advancement of healthcare quality in Abu Dhabi and beyond.” 

He added: “This collaboration paves the way for further cooperation to explore and establish innovations that addresses healthcare challenges and help make life better for people.”
Led by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), a high-profile Abu Dhabi delegation is visiting the United States of America (USA) between June 1st, 2023 and June 8th, 2023 to showcase the Emirate’s partnership opportunities and explore collaboration with leading organisations in Research and Development (R&D), manufacturing and innovation.

Kicking-off in Washington DC, delegates will meet with existing partners and foster fresh collaboration with governmental bodies and health-tech giants. The transnational mission will culminate in Boston, coinciding with Abu Dhabi’s participation at BIO International Convention 2023 to exhibit the Emirate’s growth and development of its biotechnology industry. The Participation is set to witness in-depth discussions, share insights and expertise as well as explore collaborations in health-tech, life science and innovation. 

Highlighting the rich diversity and expertise within Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem, the Delegation comprises of 12 key entities including the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Etihad Cargo, KEZAD Group as part of Abu Dhabi Ports (AD Ports), Acino as part of Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) G42 Healthcare, M42, Mubadala Investment Company, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Pure Health and Daman. The Abu Dhabi delegation brings together over 46 prominent stakeholders from diverse sectors, exemplifying the region’s commitment to innovation, knowledge exchange and international collaboration. 

Abu Dhabi continues to work in unison with global strategic partners to set the stage for a future driven by healthcare technology, innovation and artificial intelligence, as part of its transformation strategy to further enhance healthcare outcomes. The Emirate is working closely with key global players in the biopharmaceutical industry to boost local and global capabilities in life science and real-world evidence, digital health and supply chain, cementing its position as a leading destination in healthcare. 
To know more about the mission, visit: https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/Abu-Dhabi-a-regional-life-science-hub