First genomics-driven UAE clinical trial targets Alzheimer's risk

The UAE has launched its first genomics-driven clinical trial, using data from the Emirati Genome Programme to identify people at risk of Alzheimer's disease before symptoms develop, in a major milestone for precision and preventive healthcare.

The study is being led by M42's Insights Research Organisation and Solutions (IROS) in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and US biotechnology company Halia Therapeutics.

Drawing on data from the Emirati Genome Programme, researchers will identify eligible participants who carry the APOE4 gene variant, one of the strongest genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Eligible individuals will be invited by the Department of Health to undergo screening and genetic counselling before taking part in the trial.

The study will evaluate HT-4253, an investigational therapy developed by Halia Therapeutics, in people who carry the gene but have not yet developed symptoms, with the aim of slowing or preventing the disease before it begins.

Health officials say the project marks the first time data from the Emirati Genome Programme has been translated into a genomics-led clinical trial, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's ambitions to become a global centre for precision medicine.

The Emirati Genome Programme has now sequenced more than 900,000 genomes, making it one of the world's largest national genomics initiatives. Researchers say the scale of the programme allows them to identify high-risk individuals more effectively while improving the representation of Arab populations in global medical research.

Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said the initiative demonstrates how genomic data can be used to predict disease risk earlier, accelerate research and support more personalised approaches to healthcare.

The trial will be conducted in Abu Dhabi using M42's clinical research infrastructure and Malaffi, the emirate's health information exchange, which links genomic and clinical data to support advanced medical research.

The announcement also coincides with Halia Therapeutics establishing a new office in Abu Dhabi, further strengthening the emirate's position as a destination for genomics, biotechnology and precision medicine research.