M42 teams up with AstraZeneca , SOPHiA GENETICS to advance liquid biopsy in UAE

UAE—M42, a global leader in health technology, has announced a strategic partnership with AstraZeneca and SOPHiA GENETICS to introduce advanced liquid biopsy testing in the UAE.

This initiative aims to improve cancer diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, and provide faster, more accurate biomarker testing for a wide range of cancers.

Through this collaboration, M42 will incorporate SOPHiA GENETICS’ MSK-ACCESS® technology, powered by SOPHiA DDM™, into its testing services.

This technology enables non-invasive genomic profiling of cancers using a simple blood sample, offering an alternative for patients who cannot undergo traditional solid tumor biopsies.

Importantly, this liquid biopsy method complements, rather than replaces, routine cancer screenings, helping to match patients with personalized precision therapies based on their specific cancer profiles.

Over the next year, this partnership will expand access to liquid biopsy testing at select leading hospitals across the UAE.

Patients will benefit from quicker and less invasive biomarker insights compared to conventional tissue biopsies.

Additionally, the collaboration will strengthen the UAE’s testing infrastructure and capabilities for diagnosing and monitoring various cancers.

The initial focus of the testing program will be on lung, ovarian, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, which are among the most critical cancer burdens in the region.

Validation studies are scheduled to begin soon at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step toward a full clinical launch expected in late Q2 2025.

In the longer term, the partnership aims to broaden its reach across the Middle East, excluding Saudi Arabia, to provide advanced precision oncology solutions to a larger population.

Albarah El-khani, Senior Vice President of Operations at M42, emphasized that this collaboration aligns with their vision of democratizing healthcare by making cutting-edge diagnostics accessible to more patients.

He highlighted that the initiative supports not only early diagnosis but also real-time treatment monitoring, enabling cost-effective, precise, predictive, and personalized care.

Sameh El Fangary, Cluster President GCC at AstraZeneca, noted that their work in precision medicine, together with partnerships like this, is driving progress toward better treatments and a more sustainable healthcare future in the region.

He expressed commitment to transforming cancer care for millions by advancing early diagnosis and optimizing patient pathways from detection to therapy.

Ross Muken, President of SOPHiA GENETICS, added that expanding access to advanced testing technologies is central to their mission.

Partnering with M42 and AstraZeneca enables healthcare providers in the UAE to personalize care, monitor disease progression in real-time, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Established in 2022 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, M42 combines artificial intelligence, genomics, and technology to innovate healthcare.

It operates over 480 facilities in 26 countries and employs more than 20,000 people, including prestigious institutions such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the Emirati Genome Programme.

This collaboration marks a significant advancement in bringing state-of-the-art cancer diagnostics and personalized care to the UAE and the broader region.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and beyond. Also, follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.