DoH collaborates with Novartis to launch clinical trials Hub to expand global Phase 3 research
The initiative builds on two years of collaboration following a memorandum of understanding signed by DoH and Novartis on 5 June 2024.
UAE—The Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH) and Novartis have launched the Abu Dhabi Clinical Trials Hub to connect local research sites and eligible patients with global Phase 3 clinical trials across neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, oncology and immunology.
Announced at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026, the initiative aims to expand Abu Dhabi’s participation in international drug development programmes and create opportunities for local investigators to contribute to research into new treatments.
Building clinical research capacity
The initiative builds on two years of collaboration following a memorandum of understanding signed by DoH and Novartis on 5 June 2024.
Their partnership has focused on clinical research, evidence generation, healthcare innovation, and research capacity development, laying the foundation for activating global Phase 3 studies in Abu Dhabi.
The next phase will focus on preparing investigators and research sites, streamlining study start-up and improving systems for identifying and referring eligible patients.
Each study and participating site must still meet feasibility requirements and obtain the necessary regulatory, ethics and institutional approvals.
Dr Asma Al Mannei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, said Abu Dhabi’s clinical research ecosystem combines healthcare expertise, research infrastructure and a supportive regulatory environment.
She noted that the Novartis programmes would connect these capabilities with international clinical development, enabling local researchers to contribute to studies and eligible patients to access opportunities to participate.
Al Mannei added that the partnership supports Abu Dhabi’s efforts to develop its life sciences sector by linking research and innovation with advances in medical science and patient care.
Expanding access to global drug development
Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of Novartis GCC, said research and development remain central to the company’s strategy.
He explained that the partnership with DoH had strengthened the groundwork for clinical research, site readiness and scientific capacity over the past two years.
Novartis aims to connect Abu Dhabi’s research capabilities with its global development programmes, broaden opportunities for patients to participate in clinical studies and support the development of regional research talent, Ezz Eldin said.
The collaboration will also involve continued engagement with regulators, healthcare providers and research institutions to encourage scientific exchange and generate real-world evidence.
It is expected to support the participation of more Abu Dhabi research sites in suitable regional and international clinical development programmes.
For the pharmaceutical industry, the initiative provides a framework for connecting local research infrastructure with multinational clinical development.
Greater site readiness and more efficient patient referral pathways could help sponsors assess the feasibility of conducting trials in the emirate, subject to regulatory requirements and the needs of individual studies.
Be the first to leave a comment