The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has officially announced the funding and launch of the UAE’s first-ever clinical trial for gene therapy. Targeting a rare, blindness-causing inherited eye disease, the initiative brings together global and regional medical entities, including US-based Opus Genetics, M42, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. This move marks a major step in localizing advanced biomedical research and scaling precision medicine within the MENA region.
Quick Facts
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UAE’s first clinical gene therapy trial begins in 2026.
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Targets rare MerTK-related retinitis pigmentosa causing progressive blindness.
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Partners include Opus Genetics, M42, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Targeting Inherited Retinal Diseases in the GCC
The clinical trial focuses on MerTK-related retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a rare inherited condition that currently has no approved treatments and leads to progressive vision loss. The study will evaluate a novel AAV-based gene therapy developed by clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm Opus Genetics.
This therapy utilizes Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs)—widely recognized as safe vectors—to deliver healthy genes directly into cells, correcting the mutated MerTK gene’s inability to properly recycle protein in the retina.
With inherited retinal diseases impacting approximately five percent of the regional population, localizing this clinical research addresses an immediate and highly specific healthcare demand in the Middle East.
A Collaborative Healthcare Innovation Framework
This milestone is the result of a multi-stakeholder alliance. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an are co-funding and driving the initiative to advance healthcare research.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi will operate as the primary clinical site, while the Innovative Research Oversight and Support (IROS) division of the M42 group will manage trial design, patient recruitment, and overall clinical operations.
Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, emphasized the potential impact, stating the therapy could transform the lives of patients dealing with inherited blindness while solidifying the emirate’s position in global life sciences research.
Representing the financial backing side, Abdullah Al Ameri, Director-General of Ma’an, noted that deploying community funds into high-impact healthcare projects is a strategic priority for fostering community engagement and improved quality of life.
Biotech Clinical Trials Scaling in MENA
For Opus Genetics, the UAE trial opens a critical pathway to market. CEO George Magrath noted that the study provides the first real opportunity to alter the trajectory of a disease that has historically guaranteed inevitable vision loss.
The operationalization of this trial, slated to commence clinical development in 2026, highlights the growing capacity of MENA healthcare infrastructure to support complex biotech research.
Dr. Fahed Almarzooqi, Chief Executive Officer of M42’s Integrated Health Solutions, indicated that translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world treatments is central to establishing the capital as a global hub for biotech innovation.
About the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) is the regulatory body of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It ensures excellence in healthcare by monitoring health status, establishing regulatory frameworks, and driving clinical research initiatives to position the UAE capital as a premier destination for life sciences and medical innovation.
Source: Zawya
