In a regional first, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), in collaboration with M42’s Biogenix Lab, has introduced APOE E4 genetic testing into its pharmacogenomics (PGx) reports, marking a significant advancement in the personalised care of Alzheimer’s disease. This innovative integration allows clinicians to assess genetic risks and tailor treatments with greater accuracy, prioritising both efficacy and patient safety.
Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, with over 10 million new cases annually, according to the World Health Organization. The inclusion of APOE E4 genotyping empowers physicians to personalise therapies—particularly those involving anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies, which may pose serious side effects such as brain swelling or bleeding in genetically predisposed individuals.
“The inclusion of APOE E4 genotyping in PGx reports reflects our commitment to delivering world-class care through genetic profiling and precision therapies,” said Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Healthcare Life Sciences Sector at DoH. “It reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s role as a global leader in genomics-driven healthcare innovation.”
This initiative is part of the Emirati Genome Programme (EGP), which is building one of the world’s most comprehensive national genetic databases. Over 160,000 PGx reports have already been generated—surpassing the scale of many global population genomics programmes.
Accessible securely through Malaffi, Abu Dhabi’s health information exchange platform, these reports are now available to guide treatment for a wide range of conditions including cancer, mental health disorders, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, cardiovascular issues, infectious and neurological diseases, pain management, and now, Alzheimer’s.
“This milestone integrates advanced genetic insights directly into clinical workflows,” said Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, CEO of Integrated Health Solutions at M42. “It reflects our vision for a truly patient-centric healthcare model driven by innovation and precision medicine.”
With a commitment to continuous innovation, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and M42’s Biogenix Lab plan to regularly update the pharmacogenomics tools in alignment with emerging scientific research—ensuring that healthcare in Abu Dhabi remains at the cutting edge of global standards.
