M42’s IROS partners with Halia Therapeutics to launch first Alzheimer’s prevention trial in UAE

UAE—M42’s Insights Research Organisation and Solutions (IROS), in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and US clinical-stage biotechnology company Halia Therapeutics has launched the UAE’s first genomics-driven clinical trial aimed at preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

The initiative marks a significant milestone in translating data from the Emirati Genome Programme (EGP) into real-world clinical care while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for precision medicine.

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 55 million people worldwide, and that figure is projected to nearly triple by 2050.

Against this backdrop, the new study seeks to identify people who may be at high genetic risk before symptoms develop, creating opportunities for earlier intervention and a stronger focus on disease prevention.

Harnessing genomics for early intervention

The trial will analyze population-scale genomic data generated through the Emirati Genome Programme to identify eligible participants.

Following eligibility screening and genetic counselling, researchers will evaluate HT-4253, Halia Therapeutics’ investigational therapy, in symptom-free individuals who carry the APOE4 gene variant, one of the strongest genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi will lead targeted outreach by sending text messages to eligible individuals to participate in the screening process.

The department is also providing regulatory oversight to ensure that genomic data are used responsibly and in full compliance with patient privacy and data protection regulations.

Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said the Emirati Genome Programme has become a strategic national asset that is transforming how diseases are understood, prevented, and treated.

She noted that integrating genomic information into clinical research enables earlier risk detection, accelerates diagnosis, and supports the development of more personalized preventive and therapeutic approaches.

She added that the programme also improves the representation of Middle Eastern populations in global genomics research, helping expand scientific understanding of disease across diverse populations.

Building a precision medicine ecosystem

Albarah El-Khani, Chief Operating Officer of Integrated Health Solutions at M42, stated that integrating a major national genomic dataset with Halia Therapeutics’ experimental therapy and M42’s clinical research capabilities allows researchers to identify APOE4 carriers on a large scale, especially within a group that has traditionally been underrepresented in global research.

David Kavanagh, Interim General Manager of IROS, described the study as the clinical translation of more than a decade of genomic investment in the UAE.

He said IROS was established to deliver biomarker-driven, prevention-focused clinical trials that convert genomic discoveries into improved health outcomes.

Dave Bearss, President, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Halia Therapeutics, said the company’s drug discovery strategy focuses on understanding why some genetically high-risk individuals remain healthy.

He explained that the Emirati Genome Programme provides an ideal platform for testing preventive therapies before disease develops, adding that this vision influenced Halia’s decision to establish a presence in Abu Dhabi.

Recent expansion strengthens M42’s research ambitions

The launch comes as M42 continues expanding its life sciences portfolio. In recent days, the company announced a strategic partnership with Juvenescence to accelerate AI-enabled drug discovery for age-related diseases and invested in advancing longevity research.

M42 has also unveiled new partnerships to expand precision oncology clinical trials and introduce the Middle East’s first heavy-ion cancer therapy facility, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to become a global centre for genomics, biotechnology, and next-generation clinical research.