The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan-headquartered Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

In the presence of Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the MoU was signed by Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH and Dr Ahmed Fayed – General Manager East Gulf & Levant Cluster, at Takeda.

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

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, addressing targeted proactive interventions, and elevating healthcare outcomes in the region. In line with Abu Dhabi’s healthcare aspirations, both parties will collaborate to seamlessly integrate innovative Patient Support Programmes (PSPs) into the Emirate’s healthcare ecosystem. These programmes, tailored to the specific needs of rare disease patients, will leverage Takeda’s global experience and best practices. By assessing the impact and effectiveness of these PSPs, the two entities will improve patient outcomes, adherence to treatment, and quality of life.

The collaboration will witness the launch of joint public awareness campaigns aimed at educating the public on the importance of early diagnosis and recognising rare disease signs and symptoms. Additionally, partnerships between local healthcare providers in both countries will foster educational programmes for professionals, focusing on cutting-edge diagnostic tools and techniques.