The UAE has launched its first genomics-driven clinical trial to identify people at high risk of Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms develop, marking a significant step in the country’s precision medicine ambitions.
The study is being led by M42’s Insights Research Organization and Solutions (IROS) in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Halia Therapeutics.
The trial will evaluate HT-4253, an investigational treatment developed by Halia Therapeutics, in people who carry the APOE4 gene variant, which is associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Participants will be identified through the Emirati Genome Programme using approved genomic screening protocols, with all procedures carried out under regulatory oversight.
Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said the programme demonstrates how genomic research can be translated into clinical care to support earlier disease prevention and improve long-term public health.
The trial builds on the Emirati Genome Programme, which has sequenced more than 900,000 genomes, providing one of the region’s largest genomic datasets to help identify individuals who may benefit from preventive treatment.
The research will be conducted in Abu Dhabi, with clinical data supported through Malaffi, the emirate’s health information exchange system.
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 55 million people worldwide, with that number expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Officials say the study is intended to support earlier intervention and advance the UAE’s role in genomic medicine and clinical research.
