Abu Dhabi’s M42 invests in UK Longevity biotech Juvenescence

UAE—Abu Dhabi-based global health leader M42 has announced a strategic investment and partnership with Juvenescence, a UK-based biotechnology company specializing in longevity and age-related disease therapeutics.

The announcement was made during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, an event focused on proactive, personalized, and holistic healthcare, where M42 is a key partner for the second year in a row.

This collaboration marks a significant step for M42 as it accelerates its entry into drug discovery and development, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), advanced genomics, and cutting-edge technology.

M42 and Juvenescence will work together to identify and develop a pipeline of AI-enabled therapeutics to extend healthy human lifespan and improve treatments for life-threatening and chronic diseases.

The partnership is underpinned by M42’s newly established Integrated Health Solutions and Life Sciences platforms, which bring together expertise in genomics, biobanking, and clinical trial infrastructure.

 Juvenescence contributes its advanced AI-driven drug discovery capabilities and a team with over 150 years of combined experience in drug development.

Together, the two companies aim to fast-track breakthroughs in life sciences, enhance disease understanding, and accelerate clinical trials.

A Joint Steering Committee, composed of senior leaders from both organizations, will oversee the partnership’s execution.

The collaboration will also explore research and development opportunities with leading academic and research institutions worldwide, supporting M42’s broader biotechnology strategy in Abu Dhabi.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Managing Director and Group CEO of M42, emphasized that this investment and partnership reinforce Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global hub for AI-enabled therapeutics and biomedical innovation.

He highlighted the transformative potential of AI in drug discovery, aiming to deliver innovative therapies to patients worldwide and have a real impact on lives, science, and the future of health.

Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, CEO of M42’s Integrated Health Solutions platform and Acting CEO of the AI Life Sciences platform, described the partnership as a crucial step toward redefining healthcare through AI-driven drug discovery and biotechnology.

He noted that combining AI innovation with biotech expertise not only advances the fight against age-related diseases but also helps build a global ecosystem focused on prevention, precision, and progress—from Abu Dhabi to the world.

Dr. Richard Marshall, CEO of Juvenescence, expressed excitement about the collaboration.

He stated that combining M42’s strengths in artificial intelligence, technology, and genomics with Juvenescence’s expertise in drug development will result in a unique pipeline of therapeutics.

This initiative aims to target the underlying causes of age-related diseases, ultimately enhancing global healthspan.

The investment in Juvenescence comes at a company valuation exceeding US$550 million, though the exact investment amount was not disclosed.

This initiative is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to diversify its economy, emphasizing healthcare innovation.

M42’s infrastructure includes the Emirati Genome Project, which has already sequenced over 800,000 genomes, with the goal of reaching one million.

Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Biobank contains over 900,000 samples, providing a solid foundation for future biomedical research.

Notably, M42 was formed through the merger of Mubadala Health and G42 Healthcare, creating a network of over 480 facilities in 26 countries and managing major projects such as the Emirati Genome Programme and the Abu Dhabi Biobank.

This partnership with Juvenescence further cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a rising leader in global health innovation, aiming to deliver life-changing therapies and establish the emirate as a world-class life sciences hub.

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