First-ever Huntington’s Disease clinical trial planned for UAE, MENA region

UAE— UAE-based IROS, a contract research organization under the M42 group, has joined forces with Prilenia Therapeutics and the International Huntington’s Disease Association (IHA) to pioneer the first-ever clinical trial for Huntington’s disease (HD) in the UAE and MENA region.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in the region’s healthcare landscape, aimed at leveraging Prilenia’s investigational drug, pridopidine.

 The agreement, formalized at the BIO International Convention in San Diego, was witnessed by His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), and Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, Deputy Group Chief Operating Officer of M42.

Other major figures, including Islam ElTantawy, General Manager at IROS, Dr. Michael Hayden, CEO of Prilenia, and Svein Olaf Olsen, President of IHA, signed the agreement.

Aligned with Abu Dhabi’s vision for genetic rare disease care, the collaboration aims not only to conduct crucial clinical research but also to raise awareness about Huntington’s disease, addressing an unmet need in the region.

This effort is part of Project NADER, backed by DoH, which focuses on assessing needs and developing treatments for rare diseases.

Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Center at DoH, emphasized the global healthcare challenges being tackled through initiatives like Project NADER.

She underscored Abu Dhabi’s commitment to pioneering healthcare solutions, including the region’s inaugural HD clinical trial.

For his part, Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi of M42 emphasized the profound impact of the collaboration on the HD community, stressing the importance of accurate representation in clinical trials within the UAE and MENA region.

He highlighted M42’s dedication to enhancing healthcare delivery through strategic partnerships.

Svein Olaf Olsen, President of IHA, hailed the trial as a pivotal moment for HD research in the region, emphasizing the significant challenges faced by patients, often misdiagnosed or underreported.

The partnership aims to shed light on these issues and explore innovative approaches to disease management.

Islam ElTantawy of IROS stressed the critical role of patient recruitment in rare disease trials, noting the partnership’s focus on engaging the Huntington’s community effectively. This approach, he believes, will ensure that those most in need benefit from emerging treatments.

 Dr. Michael R. Hayden, CEO of Prilenia, highlighted pridopidine’s potential as a neuroprotective therapy, showcasing its promising results in improving cognitive and motor functions in HD patients.

He expressed optimism that the collaboration would accelerate access to innovative treatments in the region.

Huntington’s disease, affecting up to 14 per 100,000 people worldwide, is characterized by neurodegeneration caused by a genetic mutation.

Its impact on daily life is profound, gradually diminishing cognitive abilities and motor functions.

This pioneering clinical trial not only aims to advance treatment options but also to raise awareness and improve outcomes for HD patients in the UAE and MENA region.

 By addressing critical gaps in research and healthcare delivery, the collaboration sets a precedent for future advancements in rare disease management.

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