M42, AstraZeneca, and SOPHiA GENETICS have announced a new initiative to enhance cancer diagnosis and care in the United Arab Emirates through advanced liquid biopsy testing. This strategic collaboration aims to improve the accuracy of cancer diagnoses, inform treatment decisions, and facilitate real-time monitoring of disease progression in a manner that is both cost-effective and less invasive.

M42 will integrate SOPHiA GENETICS’ MSK-ACCESS®, which utilizes SOPHiA DDM™ technology, into its existing testing infrastructure. This integration allows for non-invasive genomic profiling through a simple blood draw, providing an alternative for patients who cannot undergo traditional solid tumor biopsies. The partnership plans to make liquid biopsy testing available at select leading hospitals in the UAE over the next 12 months, offering quicker and less invasive biomarker insights compared to traditional tissue biopsies.

The initial focus of this testing program will be on lung, ovarian, breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, which represent significant cancer burdens in the region. Validation studies are expected to begin soon at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, paving the way for a full clinical launch scheduled for the latter part of Q2 2025. Eventually, this collaboration aims to expand its reach across the Middle East, excluding Saudi Arabia, to provide advanced precision oncology solutions to a larger population.

Albarah El-khani, Senior Vice President of Operations at M42, emphasized the organization’s commitment to transforming healthcare through innovation and collaboration. He stated that the partnership with AstraZeneca and SOPHiA GENETICS is aimed at making advanced diagnostics more accessible to patients, thereby supporting early diagnosis and real-time treatment monitoring.

Sameh El Fangary, Cluster President GCC at AstraZeneca, noted that the company is focused on the application of precision medicine. He expressed that their collaborations are driving progress toward better treatments and a sustainable future for healthcare systems in the region. Furthermore, Ross Muken, President of SOPHiA GENETICS, highlighted the importance of expanding access to advanced testing technologies, which are essential for personalizing care and improving patient outcomes.

M42, established in 2022, combines AI, technology, and genomics to innovate healthcare. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the organization operates over 480 facilities across 26 countries and employs more than 20 000 people, including prestigious healthcare providers like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the Emirati Genome Programme.