image credit- shutterstock
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, a British pharmaceutical group, has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with M42, a global health leader powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, to advance healthcare innovation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the fight against colorectal cancer.
The MoU aims to accelerate the implementation of more precise, preventive and predictive cancer care programmes, utilising cutting-edge genomics screening technology.
Under this agreement, Hikma and Abu Dhabi-based startup M42 will enhance their collaboration to promote the use of Shield, a non-invasive laboratory-developed test (LDT) by Guardant Health Inc., for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, aiming to improve screening adherence rates in the UAE.
Shield is the first blood test to be approved by the US FDA as a primary screening option for CRC, meaning healthcare providers can offer Shield in a manner similar to all other non-invasive methods recommended in screening guidelines.
The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), in partnership with M42, recently introduced the non-invasive blood-based liquid biopsy test Shield for colorectal cancer screening as part of the IFHAS comprehensive health screening programme. Shield is already available for screening at key healthcare centres and M42 locations across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Al Dhafra region.
