Abu Dhabi and UCSF Partner to Launch Groundbreaking Genome Surgery Centers
Abu Dhabi's Innovative Leap into Genome Surgery
In a groundbreaking announcement, the Department of Health (DoH) in Abu Dhabi revealed a monumental partnership with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI). This collaboration aims to establish the world’s first Centers for Genome Surgery, with the goal of revolutionizing healthcare through advanced genetic therapies. This strategic initiative was officially declared during a high-level visit to the United States, emphasizing Abu Dhabi's commitment to being at the forefront of genomic medicine.
What is Genome Surgery?
Genome surgery is an innovative medical technique focused on altering or replacing faulty genes within cells to treat or prevent diseases. By employing customized gene therapies and cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR, these techniques can be tailored to each patient’s unique genetic makeup. The newly proposed centers would aim to diagnose and correct severe genetic disorders as early as possible, thereby improving health outcomes and potentially saving lives.
H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the DoH, stated, “This collaboration exemplifies Abu Dhabi's determination to implement groundbreaking scientific applications. Partnering with UCSF and IGI, two of the world’s most respected institutions in gene therapy, will accelerate our ability to integrate genome-guided care into our healthcare system, enabling unprecedented opportunities to correct genetic conditions early in life.”
Objectives of the Centers
These specialized centers will offer genome-guided interventions that are finely tuned to each individual, significantly transforming patient care. By harnessing advanced CRISPR technology, the centers will not only target genetic conditions but also seek to prevent the progression of chronic illnesses, ultimately leading to reduced long-term healthcare costs.
Dr. Tippi MacKenzie, Director of the UCSF Broad Stem Cell Center, expressed optimism about this initiative, stating, “We are excited about the opportunity to develop mirror programs that combine multidisciplinary expertise and bridge the innumerable steps between diagnosing a genetic disease and implementing a safe genome surgery strategy.”
Furthermore, this collaboration is set to enhance local expertise by training a new generation of Emirati professionals in genome surgery and clinical innovation. By intervening early in severe or debilitating diseases, the initiative aims to strengthen family support systems and ease the pressures on the healthcare system, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for advanced genomic care and life sciences innovation.
Advancing Genetic Therapeutics
Dr. Fyodor Urnov, a molecular therapeutics professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and director of the IGI-Danaher Beacon for CRISPR Cures, highlighted a milestone in this field by referencing the recent rapid development of a CRISPR genetic editing treatment for a child with a serious inherited metabolic disorder. He stated, “The mission of the Innovative Genomics Institute, as defined by its founder Jennifer Doudna, Nobel Laureate in gene editing, is to make these medical care techniques commonplace, regardless of the birthplace of such a child.” This comprehensive partnership with UCSF aims to expand such therapeutic approaches to children in the UAE suffering from serious genetic diseases.
Part of a Broader Vision
This exploratory partnership falls under Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of integrating genomics into public health, fostering a shift towards personalized and preventive healthcare. Central to this effort is the Emirati Genome Programme, which has sequenced over 800,000 genomes, creating one of the most diverse national databases globally. This program has been pivotal in launching key initiatives, including the pharmacogenomic information system, which now provides over 160,000 reports to help tailor treatment plans based on individuals’ genetic profiles.
Additional milestones include the integration of genetic testing into the Premarital Screening Programme, the introduction of the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme, and the development of the Emirati Reference Genome platform. Moreover, efforts are ongoing to enhance local expertise, with more than 100 Emirati physicians trained in genomic medicine and counseling through advanced training initiatives.
Through this transformative partnership, Abu Dhabi is not only aiming to transform local healthcare systems but also seeking to set a global benchmark in genomics research and therapeutic application, paving the way for a future defined by precision medicine and personalized care. This initiative, once realized, promises to redefine health strategies worldwide, emphasizing the importance of advanced genomic understanding in medical practice.