Groundbreaking Partnership for World’s First Genome Surgery Centers between DoH, UCSF, and IGI

Groundbreaking Partnership for Genome Surgery

In a revolutionary move towards enhancing healthcare, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) have formed a significant partnership. This collaboration aims to explore the establishment of the world’s first centers dedicated to genome surgery in both Abu Dhabi and California. Announced during a high-profile visit to the USA, this initiative seeks to place Abu Dhabi at the forefront of genomic medicine and personalize gene therapy, potentially transforming health care delivery on a global scale.

What is Genome Surgery?

Genome surgery is an experimental medical approach focused on altering or replacing defective genes within cells to treat or prevent diseases. It employs personalized gene therapies, including advanced technologies like CRISPR, allowing for treatments tailored to the unique genetic mutations found in individual patients. This innovative technique opens doors for diagnosing and correcting severe genetic illnesses at their onset, significantly improving patient outcomes.

The envisioned centers would utilize CRISPR-based technologies to deliver customized, genome-guided interventions, promising to not only enhance patient health outcomes but also redefine the future of healthcare.

Vision and Goals of the Partnership

H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, the Undersecretary at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, "This partnership reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to pioneering the practical application of advanced science. By partnering with UCSF and IGI, recognized leaders in gene therapy, we aim to integrate genomic healthcare into our system, creating unprecedented opportunities to correct genetic disorders early in life, halt the progression of chronic diseases, and reduce long-term healthcare costs."

By synergizing the state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure and genomic data capabilities of Abu Dhabi with UCSF's global leadership in pediatric and fetal therapy and IGI's cutting-edge gene editing research, the partnership will drive the development and delivery of innovative solutions for patients facing early-onset, severe, rare, and inherited diseases.

Training the Next Generation of Experts

Additionally, a core focus of this collaboration is to build national expertise by training a new generation of local professionals in the field of genomic surgery and clinical innovation. This initiative aims to create capacity to support families affected by lifethreatening or debilitating conditions, reduce dependence on lifelong treatments, and alleviate the pressure on the healthcare system. Thus, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a global hub for advanced genomic healthcare and biotechnology innovation.

Dr. Tippi MacKenzie, Director of the UCSF Broad Stem Cell Center, emphasized the exciting potential of this collaboration. She noted, "This is an extraordinary time for medicine, where we have the ability to develop life-saving therapies for patients with severe genetic disorders. We are thrilled about creating mirrored programs that integrate multidisciplinary expertise, bridging countless steps from the diagnosis of a genetic disorder to the development and implementation of safe gene surgical strategies.”

Dr. Fyodor Urnov, a professor at UC Berkeley and director of the IGI-Danaher Beacon for CRISPR Cures, highlighted the implications of recent advancements, stating, “This year marks a milestone for science and medicine, having developed a CRISPR gene-editing treatment that was administered to an infant with a severe congenital metabolic disorder in record time. Our mission at IGI, as defined by co-founder Jennifer Doudna, is to make this method a standard for medical care regardless of where such a child is born.”

Aligning with Abu Dhabi’s Vision

This exploratory partnership is consistent with Abu Dhabi's broader vision to interlink genomics with public health and drive a shift towards personalized and preventive care. Central to these efforts is the Emirati Genome Programme, which has sequenced more than 800,000 genomes, building one of the most diverse national databases worldwide. The program has facilitated key initiatives such as the national pharmacogenomics reporting system (PGx), which has yielded over 160,000 reports, aiding in tailoring treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles.

Moreover, milestones include the integration of genetic testing into premarital screening programs, the launch of the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme, and the development of the Emirati Reference Genome platform. Over 100 Emirati physicians have already been educated in genomic medicine and counseling through various education initiatives that strengthen local expertise in this critical field.

With these efforts and investments, Abu Dhabi is set to redefine healthcare not just locally, but also as a leader on the global stage in genomic medicine and biotechnological initiatives.