AR
UR
Abu Dhabi has collaborated with the Australian state of Victoria to further develop treatments against the COVID-19 illness. Experts from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), and mRNA Victoria (representing the State of Victoria in Australia) have signed an agreement to expand their partnership in the field.
As part of this agreement, the two sides will work towards advancing the global RNA ecosystem. They will identify and explore key research areas related to RNA and COVID-19 treatment along with initiating academic collaborations and knowledge exchange. Furthermore, they will explore investment opportunities related to the early-stage of research in the development of COVID-19 treatments. The collaborations will further include prospects for clinical trial and private sector investment opportunities.
Abu Dhabi - Leading Science hub
Abu Dhabi has emerged as a global life science hub. In view of its proactive fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Abu Dhabi received international recognition for its precautionary and proactive measures.
This collaboration with the State of Victoria is among those efforts aimed at strengthening the healthcare sector through enhancing preparedness and building capabilities to fight future circumstances.
The partnership is particularly focused on developing a robust RNA ecosystem. In accordance with this collaboration, both parties will work on identifying prospective partners and work with organisations seeking to develop and license RNA-based therapeutics and manufacture innovative treatments.
The agreement will also facilitate the institution of a steering committee represented by members from DoH and mRNA department in Victoria to ensure smooth alignment, execution and implementation of the plans.
Speaking in this regard, Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, DoH undersecretary, said that Abu Dhabi was able to demonstrate a successful response strategy against the COVID-19 pandemic under the guidance of the UAE's wise leadership.
"The DoH continues to work towards adopting innovative treatment and breakthrough solutions in the UAE to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community. As a result of the tremendous efforts of stakeholders and entities across Abu Dhabi’s health ecosystem, the authority has been successful in reinforcing the capital’s position as a life sciences hub and epicentre for innovative healthcare,” he added.
He underlined that with this agreement, the DoH is looking forwards to seeing advancements in mRNA-based therapeutics research as well as strengthening capabilities of the international healthcare system in order to enhance global preparedness to fight future pandemics and health crises.
Jaala Pulford, Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy in the Government of Victoria, lauded the Australian state's continuous role in leading the way in mRNA biotechnology. He added that this agreement signifies a global collaboration to share knowledge, information and expertise within the ecosystem in order to support global supply chains research and development for pre and clinical research, commercialisation and manufacturing investments.
"This collaborative agreement with DoH reinforces the Victorian Government’s commitment to establish a world-class Victorian mRNA and RNA industry, and by engaging internationally, it ensures Victoria is established as an AsiaPac regional hub for the next generation mRNA broad-based therapeutics,” he added.
Furthering research
Over the past year, Abu Dhabi has exponentially expanded its research capabilities. It has developed numerous scientific, clinical and research projects.
During the ongoing fight against the pandemic, the DoH has launched the COVID-19 Research Registry - a unified platform supporting scientific research and accelerating the pace of innovations and discoveries related to COVID-19. Since its inception, the registry has received 386 scientific papers, with 46 getting published and 340 getting approved.
SOURCE: Gulf News