June 2024- The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a values-based biopharmaceutical company with a Japanese Heritage, during the BIO International Convention 2024 in San Diego, USA. The strategic cooperation aims to establish a framework of collaboration to enhance research endeavors in rare diseases and oncology.

In the presence of H.E. Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the MoU was signed by Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH and Dr. Ahmed Fayed – General Manager East Gulf & Levant Cluster.

The partnership will boost clinical research, innovation and facilitate regional advisory boards with expert panels to further advance knowledge sharing, discuss challenges, and propose solutions that effectively addressing healthcare gaps. Thus, magnifying Abu Dhabi’s efforts to provide innovative treatments and breakthrough solutions to patients in Abu Dhabi and the region.

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Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) said: “Rare diseases affect over 300 million people globally, and cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020 alone. As part of the Department’s commitment to address global health challenges, we are proud to collaborate with Takeda Pharmaceuticals to unite efforts and leverage diverse expertise and resources to collectively lead groundbreaking discoveries and improve treatment options to patient.”

Dr. Ahmed Fayed, General Manger East Gulf & Levant at Takeda emphasised the above and said: “Our mission as Takeda is to strive towards a ‘Better Health and a Brighter Future for the people worldwide’ through leading innovation in medicine. Currently we are witnessing the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi spearheading a transformative movement in the healthcare landscape, particularly in rare diseases. Through strategic initiatives and robust collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and healthcare stakeholders, the Department has ushered a new era of hope and progress for individuals affected by rare diseases in the region. By prioritising rare diseases on the healthcare agenda, DoH will catalyse groundbreaking advancements in research, diagnosis, and treatment options.”