Eli Lilly collaborates with Abu Dhabi’s DoH on precision medicine initiative at BIO 2026

USA – Eli Lilly Drugstore LLC (Lilly) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, USA, to strengthen efforts to prevent and manage obesity and Alzheimer’s disease.

The partnership targets two of the region’s fastest-growing health challenges by combining artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and advanced clinical care.

The agreement brings together Lilly’s expertise in developing innovative medicines with Abu Dhabi’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, population-scale health data, and genomics capabilities.

Together, the two organizations aim to create more predictive and personalized models of care while supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global centre for life sciences and healthcare innovation.

AI to support personalized obesity care

The first phase of the collaboration will establish a joint task force to design an AI-enabled obesity and cardiometabolic care model tailored to the health needs of Abu Dhabi’s population.

The initiative will combine population health data with Lilly’s expertise in metabolic diseases to improve risk assessment, identify patients earlier, and support more personalized treatment strategies.

Health officials expect the model to strengthen preventive care while helping clinicians deliver interventions based on individual patient profiles rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Leena Aziz, Senior Director of Corporate and Government Affairs, Gulf at Lilly, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation.

She noted that Abu Dhabi’s growing life sciences ecosystem aligns closely with Lilly’s mission of improving lives through scientific discovery.

According to Aziz, the collaboration combines artificial intelligence, clinical expertise, population health insights, and breakthrough science to tackle obesity and Alzheimer’s disease more effectively.

She added that Lilly remains committed to supporting the UAE’s vision of building a more predictive, personalized, and innovative healthcare system that delivers better outcomes for patients and communities.

Strengthening Alzheimer’s Disease Care

The second workstream will focus on advancing plans for an Alzheimer’s Disease Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi.

The proposed centre will build on the existing collaboration between Lilly and DoH in neurodegenerative diseases and seek to improve early diagnosis, digital cognitive screening, biomarker-based assessments, and coordinated care throughout the Alzheimer’s disease journey.

Officials believe the initiative will help patients access timely diagnosis and emerging disease-modifying therapies while improving long-term disease management.

Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said the emirate has developed one of the world’s most advanced precision medicine ecosystems through investments in genomics, health data, and clinical excellence.

She said the collaboration with Lilly will help translate those capabilities into more personalized care for people living with obesity and Alzheimer’s disease, ultimately improving patient outcomes across Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Broader innovation strategy

The agreement further strengthens Lilly’s presence in precision medicine and digital healthcare as the company continues expanding its global innovation partnerships.

The announcement follows recent momentum for Lilly, including continued growth in its obesity and metabolic disease portfolio and regulatory advances for new therapies aimed at expanding patient access to treatment.

The MoU establishes a framework for developing practical healthcare solutions that combine artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and clinical innovation to address some of the region’s most significant health priorities.