OncoHelix and Burjeel Holdings to Bring Advanced Molecular Genetics to UAE

Through this exclusive agreement, OncoHelix and Burjeel strive to bring personalized medicine to clinics and hospitals in the UAE.

Signing Ceremony between OncoHelix and coLAB Burjeel Holdings
From left to right: Dr. Pinaki Bose, Dr. Faisal Khan, John Sunil and Mayur Sabhani

News Release April 13, 2023: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: OncoHelix with Burjeel Holdings has partnered to set up a cutting-edge laboratory in Abu Dhabi to provide advanced molecular genetics, cellular and immunological profile testing to patients in the UAE.

Through this exclusive agreement, Burjeel and OncoHelix strive to bring personalized medicine to clinics and hospitals in the UAE.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Faisal Khan, CEO, OncoHelix and John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel.

Two areas

The new lab will be divided into two areas. An advanced diagnostic lab arm will focus on offering ground-breaking molecular genetics and immunological profiling tests to assist oncologists and physicians in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and tailored treatment for patients with cancer, genetic diseases, or immune disorders. The second arm will expand on Burjeel’s existing translational research program and analyze cancer patients’ genomic and immune signatures to develop innovative approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

OncoHelix and Burjeel expect to commence the operation of the new laboratory by the end of this year, and it will be capable of facilitating the requirements of the region’s hospitals.

OncoHelix, based in Western Canada, has the largest breadth of clinically validated comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) panels for cancer in the country. As part of its academic roles at the University of Calgary, OncoHelix’s scientists and clinicians have an impeccable record in translational research with over 350 publications in major scientific journals.

Precision oncology

Their translational research team has developed impactful precision oncology and immunology pipelines aimed at improving clinical outcomes for cancer patients and transplant recipients.

Burjeel is one of the largest healthcare services providers in the Mena region with a network of 61 assets, including 16 hospitals and 23 medical centers, as well as pharmacies and other allied services. The group provides the highest standard of patient care in the region. Its Laboratory Services arm, coLAB, operates a network of 12 internationally accredited laboratories including 4 labs accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

Dr. Khan said: “We are joining forces with Burjeel Holdings to create a local advanced diagnostic program that will not only aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of malignancies and immunological disorders, but also pave the road for newer treatment options guided by disease-specific molecular signatures. The translational research program will investigate the somatic and germline variant landscapes of cancer patients, as well as the immune profile patterns of transplant recipients and donors from the region, to lead the development of precision medicine-based treatment methods.”

Sunil said: “Burjeel Holdings continues to invest in and establish new partnerships that help promote the expansion of our translational research program and improve patient outcomes. This new venture will utilize the clinical & academic experience of OncoHelix to build a state-of-the-art laboratory, through which we will offer testing services not widely available in the UAE.

“Through this agreement, we hope to solidify our position as a leading provider of complex care in the UAE and increase our capabilities to serve the country’s growing medical tourism market. Collaborations like these will benefit the UAE as it transforms into a global leader in healthcare.”

About OncoHelix

OncoHelix’s mission is to facilitate exceptional clinical-grade molecular and immune profile testing for diagnostic, research, clinical trials, and clinical use for patients and their oncologists. Based out of Calgary, Alberta Canada, OncoHelix works with health industry partners, patients, and their oncologists to make cancer genomics and immune profiling accessible across Canada and countries worldwide.

OncoHelix is specialized in providing top-line testing services with innovative panels via a partnership with HTL Lab located within the University of Calgary.