Biotech firm unveils precision medicine to revolutionise healthcare in UAE

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

BioAro, the Canadian biotech powerhouse renowned for its groundbreaking strides in precision medicine, preventive healthcare, and personalised treatments, is embarking on a transformative journey into the heart of the United Arab Emirates.

Armed with cutting-edge technologies such as Whole Genome Sequencing, Microbiome Testing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), BioAro is all set to establish a network of futuristic healthcare clinics, merging biotechnology research with clinical excellence, poised to catapult the UAE into the global epicenter of precision healthcare.

In its endeavour to create a global hub for precision medicine, genomics and personalised care, BioAro will revolutionise the healthcare landscape of the UAE. Genomics, the study of an organism's genome, its genetic blueprint, and the profound implications of this knowledge are at the heart of BioAro's mission. Genomic insights span all forms of life, from microscopic bacteria to the intricate genetic tapestry of humans, defined by DNA.

The global genomics market is currently estimated at $46.2 billion in 2023, with an astonishing compound annual growth rate projected at 12.4 per cent, expected to surge to $83.1 billion by 2028, as per the latest findings by Markets and Markets.

Genomics holds the power to empower physicians to determine the right medication, tailor interventions for personalised care, mitigate medication side effects, identify the safest and most effective treatments, unveil hidden health risks before symptoms manifest, explore genetic variations, predict children's predisposition to diseases and lead the charge against cancer, among numerous other applications.

BioAro takes pride in offering a comprehensive 100 percent Whole Genome Sequence (WGS), accompanied by expert genetic counseling from a dedicated Genome coach. This encompassing service tackles over 200 hereditary conditions and an impressive 4,000 medical conditions. Remarkably, the cost of WGS has dramatically plummeted from millions to an accessible $1,000 in recent years, opening doors to affordable, cutting-edge healthcare.

Dr Anmol Kapoor, the visionary Founder of BioAro Group, says, “We are dedicated to collaborating with UAE authorities, striving to establish a global epicenter for precision medicine that will fundamentally redefine healthcare services. Whole Genome Sequencing and Microbiome Testing, involving 23,000 genes and hundreds of trillions of microbiomes, are just some of the scientific marvels that empower us to decipher the intricacies of genetics, heredity, and proactively address health issues before they escalate.

“We are poised to unveil a network of world-class centers of excellence in Precision medicine and Longevity and state of the art Genomic laboratory in the UAE. Coupled with these revolutionary technologies and our highly-trained professionals, we anticipate a seismic shift in the UAE's healthcare landscape, contributing to the expansion of health-span and the lengthening of people's lives."

BioAro has initiated dialogues with both public sector health officials and private entities, heralding the advent of biotechnology and AI-powered healthcare solutions that are set to transform healthcare delivery in the region.

“At BioAro, we champion the belief that individuals should be the CEOs of their own health, and the key to this empowerment lies within their genes. Through genetic and microbiome testing, BioAro unlocks insights into an individual's health that were once beyond reach," Dr Anmol Kapoor asserts.

“This marks the dawn of a supercharged, personalised healthcare experience, underpinned by evidence-based guidelines. BioAro is committed to championing quality and health equity by making access more democratic. We are making genetic data accessible and affordable, thus providing individuals the power to steer their personal health journey.”

With the support of BioAro’s cutting-edge technology and knowhow, the UAE could become a global leader in genomics and this could expand the life expectancy of the UAE’s population by a few decades. The UAE started conducting Whole Genome Sequencing of the UAE Nationals some time ago. So far, about half a million Emiratis have already been brought under genome sequencing programme – that will help them to achieve a healthy and longer life.

Dr Maryam Mattar, Founder Chairperson of the UAE Genetic Disease Association, said, “Our life expectancy was 47 when the UAE was formed 52 years ago. By 2019, life expectancy in the UAE has reached 78 – one of the highest in the region. With genome sequencing, this will easily exceed 100 years in a few years’ time.”

 BioAro's role is pivotal in helping individuals comprehend both inherited and acquired health risks, ranging from potential diseases and health conditions to pharmacogenomic profiles and nutritional parameters. Ultimately, BioAro empowers individuals to take proactive measures concerning their health and lifestyle, grounded in the knowledge gleaned from their genetic information. The organization stands as a beacon for client confidentiality, safeguarding data through cutting-edge blockchain technology, with the capacity to receive samples from anywhere across the globe, breaking down international barriers.