Abu Dhabi:The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) has entered into a collaboration with Isomorphic Labs, a leading company in AI-driven drug design and development, to advance research in AI-enabled drug discovery. This partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit.

According to Wam, the MoU was signed in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, and Max Jaderberg, President of Isomorphic Labs, officiated the signing.

The collaboration aims to establish a pre-clinical research roadmap for AI-enabled discovery projects over a two-year period. Research will be conducted within Abu Dhabi's Trusted Research Environment. Isomorphic Labs will leverage its IsoDDE, a state-of-the-art drug design engine, to enhance the predictive accuracy in navigating biological systems.

Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori emphasized the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on medicine discovery, highlighting the need for comprehensive data and a conducive research environment. He noted that Abu Dhabi's integrated health system and the Emirati Genome Programme provide a strong foundation for personalized treatment advancements.

Max Jaderberg commented on the partnership's significance in advancing AI-driven drug discovery, expressing a shared commitment to innovate scientifically and accelerate the delivery of medicines globally.

This initiative underscores DoH's commitment to responsibly integrate AI in health research, aligning with Abu Dhabi's strategic focus on life sciences. The collaboration seeks to expedite AI-driven research and expand the genomic data representation for Middle Eastern populations.