LIFEPharma launches US27.2M UAE cell and gene therapy spin-off amid major KEZAD expansion deal

UAE—LIFEPharma, part of VPS Health, has announced the creation of a dedicated biotech spin-off focused on end-to-end development of cell and gene therapies during the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates 2026 exhibition.

The company committed over AED100 million (USD27.2 million) to establish the new venture aimed at accelerating advanced biologics manufacturing in the region.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of VPS Health, unveiled the initiative at the forum, highlighting the UAE’s ambition to become a global hub for advanced healthcare manufacturing.

He emphasized that the project focuses on building sovereign capabilities in gene therapy while shifting the UAE from a consumer of innovation to a producer of next-generation medical solutions.

UAE–India corridor driving regional collaboration

The initiative will leverage the UAE–India healthcare corridor to expand access to gene therapies for high-need populations and strengthen cross-border biomedical collaboration.

It combines the UAE’s regulatory framework and investment support with India’s large patient base to accelerate clinical development and therapy deployment.

LIFEPharma said it will adopt a cost-efficient manufacturing model that supports scalable vector and cell processing from early clinical trials through to commercial production.

The company plans to close development gaps by integrating established technologies and global academic and industry partnerships, targeting a three- to five-year go-to-market timeline.

KEZAD expansion and pharmaceutical manufacturing platform

Separately, LIFEPharma signed a memorandum of understanding with AD Ports Group to develop an advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing platform at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).

The agreement, signed at Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum, supports a proposed AED700 million (USD190.4 million) investment to expand domestic pharmaceutical capacity.

The KEZAD platform will cover vaccines valued at AED300 million (USD81.6 million), oncology products worth AED200 million (USD54.4 million), and advanced injectables also at AED200 million (USD54.4 million).

LIFEPharma will lead technical, regulatory, and commercial development, while AD Ports Group will provide land, infrastructure, and utilities to support the project.

Financing, capacity building, and economic impact

The company also secured a strategic financing agreement with Ajman Bank to support the development of the manufacturing platform and related facilities.

LIFEPharma expects the platform to contribute approximately AED2 billion (about USD544 million) to GDP over its lifecycle and create more than 1,000 skilled jobs, including Emirati roles.

The company added that it continues to supply regulated markets, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, reinforcing its global manufacturing footprint.

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader industrial strategy under Make it in the Emirates, which promotes high-value manufacturing and domestic production in strategic sectors.

It also strengthens collaboration between public and private stakeholders by integrating infrastructure development, financing, and regulatory support within a unified ecosystem.

LIFEPharma said it will continue expanding its global footprint while investing in advanced therapeutics to address unmet medical needs across emerging and developed markets in the region.