UAE's First Genomics Trial Aims to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

The UAE's first genomics-driven clinical trial aimed at preventing Alzheimer's disease has been launched in Abu Dhabi, using data from the Emirati Genome Programme to identify individuals at risk before symptoms appear.

The study is being led by M42 through Insights Research Organisation and Solutions in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and US-based biotechnology company Halia Therapeutics.

Following eligibility screening and genetic counselling, researchers will evaluate Halia Therapeutics' investigational therapy, HT-4253, in people who carry the APOE4 gene variant, a known genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, but who have not yet developed symptoms.

Potential participants will be identified through targeted outreach by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, which will invite eligible individuals via text message. The department is also providing regulatory oversight to ensure the responsible and ethical use of data from the Emirati Genome Programme.

The programme contains genomic information from around 900,000 UAE nationals and is designed to help identify hereditary health risks, inform public health policy and support personalised, preventive healthcare strategies.

The trial will be conducted in Abu Dhabi by Insights Research Organisation and Solutions, with clinical data linked through Malaffi, the emirate's health information exchange, combining genomic data with longitudinal clinical records to support genomics-based medical research.

According to the organisations involved, Alzheimer's disease affects more than 55 million people worldwide, and there are currently no approved therapies designed to prevent the disease before symptoms emerge.