Hikma Pharmaceuticals partners with M42 to enhance colorectal cancer screening in the UAE

UAE— Multinational pharmaceutical company Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC and M42 have inked a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) to combat colorectal cancer in the UAE by enhancing cancer treatment via cutting-edge screening technology.

The MOU was signed during the Arab Health 2025 conference and focuses on accelerating the implementation of advanced, preventive, and predictive cancer care programs in the UAE.

The agreement emphasizes the use of genomics screening technology to enhance early detection and improve patient outcomes.

One of the key initiatives under this partnership is the promotion of Shield™, a non-invasive blood test developed by Guardant Health Inc., which is specifically designed for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.

Shield™ has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first blood test to be used as a primary screening option for CRC, making it a reliable alternative to traditional screening methods.

With this approval, healthcare providers can now offer Shield™ as part of routine CRC screening, encouraging more people to participate in early detection programs.

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), M42 has already launched Shield™ as part of the IFHAS comprehensive health screening program.

The test is available at healthcare centers across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region, marking a significant step in bringing innovative cancer screening to the public.

 The aim is to increase screening adherence and ensure more individuals benefit from early detection.

Mazen Darwazah, Hikma’s Executive Vice Chairman and President of MENA, expressed his pride in signing the partnership with M42, noting that both companies share a commitment to innovation and improving patient outcomes.

He emphasized that the collaboration focuses on enhancing early disease detection, enabling more precise diagnoses, and offering more effective treatments in oncology and preventive care.

This aligns with Hikma’s broader vision of delivering healthcare solutions centered on precision medicine.

Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, CEO of Integrated Health Solutions at M42, also spoke about the importance of leveraging advanced technologies to transform healthcare.

 He explained that integrating AI and genomics-driven solutions will redefine traditional healthcare models, paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.

 This partnership with Hikma, he added, is a key part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to lead in next-generation screening and health innovation.

This partnership follows Hikma’s exclusive agreement with Guardant Health, Inc. to commercialize a range of liquid and tissue biopsy tests for cancer screening, recurrence monitoring, and tumor mutation profiling across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

 By introducing Shield™ for colorectal cancer screening, this collaboration marks a major milestone in the region’s efforts to enhance precision and preventive healthcare

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