Burjeel, OncoHelix to bring advanced molecular genetics to UAE

PHOTO

UAE - Burjeel Holdings has partnered with OncoHelix to set up a cutting-edge laboratory in Abu Dhabi to provide advanced molecular genetics, cellular and immunological profile testing to patients in the UAE.

Through this exclusive agreement, Burjeel and OncoHelix strive to bring personalised medicine to clinics and hospitals in the UAE.

The agreement was signed by John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel and Dr Faisal Khan, CEO, OncoHelix.

Two areas

The new lab will be divided into two areas. An advanced diagnostic lab arm will focus on offering ground-breaking molecular genetics and immunological profiling tests to assist oncologists and physicians in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and tailored treatment for patients with cancer, genetic diseases, or immune disorders. The second arm will expand on Burjeel’s existing translational research program and analyse cancer patients’ genomic and immune signatures to develop innovative approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

Burjeel expects to commence the operation of the new laboratory by the end of this year, and it will be capable of facilitating the requirements of the region's hospitals.

OncoHelix, based in Western Canada, has the largest breadth of clinically validated comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) panels for cancer in the country. As part of its academic roles at the University of Calgary, OncoHelix’s scientists and clinicians have an impeccable record in translational research with over 350 publications in major scientific journals.

Precision oncology

Their translational research team has developed impactful precision oncology and immunology pipelines aimed at improving clinical outcomes for cancer patients and transplant recipients.

Burjeel is one of the largest healthcare services providers in the Mena region with a network of 61 assets, including 16 hospitals and 23 medical centres, as well as pharmacies and other allied services. The group provides the highest standard of patient care in the region. Its Laboratory Services arm, coLAB, operates a network of 12 internationally accredited laboratories including 4 labs accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

Sunil said: “Burjeel Holdings continues to invest in and establish new partnerships that help promote the expansion of our translational research program and improve patient outcomes. This new venture will utilise the clinical & academic experience of OncoHelix to build a state-of-the-art laboratory, through which we will offer testing services not widely available in the UAE.

“Through this agreement, we hope to solidify our position as a leading provider of complex care in the UAE and increase our capabilities to serve the country’s growing medical tourism market. Collaborations like these will benefit the UAE as it transforms into a global leader in healthcare.”

Dr Khan said: “We are joining forces with Burjeel Holdings to create a local advanced diagnostic programme that will not only aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of malignancies and immunological disorders, but also pave the road for newer treatment options guided by disease-specific molecular signatures. The translational research programme will investigate the somatic and germline variant landscapes of cancer patients, as well as the immune profile patterns of transplant recipients and donors from the region, to lead the development of precision medicine-based treatment methods.”