Dept of Health Abu Dhabi and Opus Genetics Partner For Gene Therapy Research

Opus Genetics, a patient-first, clinical-stage gene therapy company developing treatments for inherited retinal diseases, and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the Emirate's regulator of the healthcare sector, signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the BIO 2024 International Convention. In order to speed up the development of novel gene therapies for patients in the United Arab Emirates suffering from rare inherited retinal diseases (IRD), this partnership will be utilized by both organizations.

IRD have a significant impact on the lives of patients, their families, and communities in the Arabian Gulf, where they affect about 5% of the population and are a major cause of vision loss worldwide. The parties will investigate the possibility of expediting preclinical testing and clinical trials for the benefit of patients with IRD not only in Abu Dhabi but throughout the region by making use of the one-of-a-kind data access and capabilities provided by UAE's Emirati Genome Programme, which is one of the most successful programs in the world, and Opus Genetics' expertise in gene therapy at the clinical stage.

Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, executive director of the Research and Innovation Centre at the at DoH said: “With our uniquely diverse population, established excellence in genomics, and a streamlined 30-day research approval process, Abu Dhabi is well suited to become a focal destination for gene therapy trials. Our collaboration with Opus Genetics reaffirms our commitment to changing lives by seeking and supporting ground-breaking research and the development of novel therapies. By leveraging the Emirate’s advanced genomics expertise and data-enabled infrastructure, we seek to boost preclinical research and trials that will improve healthcare outcomes today and for generations to come. On our journey to becoming a global hub for health and life science, Abu Dhabi and the Department of Health will continue to act as a both an accelerator and a platform for innovation.”