DoH Inks Strategic Partnership with Takeda to Advance Rare Diseases & Oncology Research

The partnership will boost clinical research, and innovation to further advance knowledge sharing, discuss challenges, and propose solutions that effectively address healthcare gaps.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a Japan-based biopharmaceutical company.

The strategic move seeks to establish a framework of collaboration to enhance research endeavors in rare diseases and oncology.

In the presence of Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, chairman, DoH, the MoU was signed by Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, executive director, Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, and Dr Ahmed Fayed, GM, East Gulf, and Levant Cluster.

Reportedly, the partnership will boost clinical research, and innovation and facilitate regional advisory boards with expert panels to further advance knowledge sharing, discuss challenges, and propose solutions that effectively address healthcare gaps.

Sharing thoughts. Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, executive director, Research and Innovation Centre, DoH, said, “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 for patients.’’

Partnership Goal

Per the deal, the partnership will leverage the Emirate’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and Takeda’s vast expertise in developing advanced therapies to propel clinical research in rare diseases and oncology.

It is further expected to drive innovation in healthcare technologies and enhance health technology assessment capabilities.

Moreover, DoH and Takeda will develop regional treatment guidelines and consensus statements promoting evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.

Alongside, generating comprehensive evidence on epidemiology, and tackling unmet medical needs related to rare diseases and oncology, the partnership will also focus on addressing targeted proactive interventions and elevating healthcare outcomes in the region.

Both parties will collaborate to integrate innovative Patient Support Programmes (PSPs) into the Emirate’s healthcare ecosystem.

By assessing the impact and effectiveness of these PSPs, the two entities will improve patient outcomes, treatment adherence, and quality of life.

Additionally, the collaboration will witness the launch of joint public awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on the importance of early diagnosis and recognizing rare disease signs and symptoms.

Furthermore, partnerships between local healthcare providers in both countries will foster educational programs for professionals, focusing on advanced diagnostic tools and techniques.

“Our mission as Takeda is to strive towards a ‘Better Health and a Brighter Future for the people worldwide’ through leading innovation in medicine. By prioritizing rare diseases on the healthcare agenda, DoH will catalyze groundbreaking advancements in research, diagnosis, and treatment options. This proactive approach will not only raise awareness but will also foster a supportive ecosystem for patients and their families, ensuring access to specialized care and innovative therapies,” Dr Fayed, GM, East Gulf and Levant at Takeda, stated.