16 April 2012 (Rome, Italy): Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday with Fondo di Assistenza Sanitaria Integrativa (FASI), the largest insurance company in Italy and one of the largest in Europe.  Under the agreement, FASI will use QSTP's RASAD platform as part of an initiative to shift focus to preventive healthcare. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), witnessed the signing.

Representing both sides of the MOU were Dr. Tidu Maini, Science and Technology Advisor and Chairman of QSTP, and Dr. Stefano Cuzzilla, Chairman of FASI.

"Using RASAD is expected to be highly beneficial to both the population and health authorities since it represents a significant step towards personalized medicine. As the prevalence of chronic metabolic diseases is on the rise, this co-operation is especially important as it helps prevent these lifestyle related health concerns. As the number one insurance company in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, FASI has an extensive infrastructure. Combining this with RASAD's technological offerings will surely yield promising results", said Dr. Maini.

Under the agreement, FASI, Italy's private insurance scheme for executives and managers, will use RASAD within its national network of over 2000 clinics to complement its existing preventive medical services. The agreement further outlines collaboration initiatives between QSTP and FASI to exchange relevant information on preventive medicine with a focus on heart disease and diabetes.

A shift to prevention has become the focus of many healthcare providers and insurance companies in the United States and in Europe. Facing an increase in the age of the world's population and a rise in prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, societies are facing exponentially increasing healthcare costs.

In 2008, cardiovascular disease (CVD) was responsible for more than 4.3 million deaths in Europe and over 2 million deaths within the European Union. CVD is the leading cause of death in women in all European countries and is the leading cause of death in men in all countries except France, the Netherlands and Spain.

Overall, CVD has cost the EU economy approximately €192 billion a year. Of this, about 57% is due to direct healthcare expenditure, 21% is due to productivity losses and 22% due to informal care of people with cardiovascular disease. Preventive healthcare will aid early detection and reduce costs of treatment and rehabilitation for those that suffer from CVD or diabetes

FASI will use RASAD to complement the annual health screening of the executives in its system, where different physiological sensors will be employed to assess health status in those who display symptoms of metabolic disease.

"On behalf of FASI, I am glad to have this opportunity of exchange with Qatar Foundation," said Dr. Cuzzilla. "I believe such occasions allow for development and growth particularly in prevention of diseases. What has been achieved so far makes us optimistic when faced with more demanding missions, since prevention improvement is a must. I am confident that this mutual cooperation will help us both in achieving the objectives we seek for the common important mission - for all to maintain a high quality of life."

RASAD, a technology developed and owned by QSTP and ASPETAR, uses wireless sensors to collect and transmit data over networks to cloud-based servers to provide real-time customized graphical interfaces and profiles. It is the first "Made in Qatar" technology solution in a domain outside of energy to be successfully commercialized internationally.

For more information about this press release please contact:
Kimberly A. Mathern
Brown Lloyd James
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Email: kimberlym@brownlloydjames.com

For more information on Qatar Foundation, please contact:
Tariq Al Sada
Press Office Unit Head
Qatar Foundation
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Email: talsada@qf.org.qa

© Press Release 2012