Khalifa University and Sanofi launch genomic research partnership to study asthma and COPD in UAE

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and pharmaceutical company Sanofi have signed a research agreement to investigate genetic factors associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the United Arab Emirates.

The collaboration will conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS), bringing together the university’s genomic research expertise and Sanofi’s biopharmaceutical research and development capabilities. The study will examine genetic variations associated with the two respiratory conditions to generate scientific evidence relevant to the UAE population.

A genome-wide association study examines genetic differences across a population to identify variations that may be linked to particular diseases or health conditions. The findings could help researchers improve their understanding of the biology of asthma and COPD and identify areas for further investigation.

Research to use UAE health and genomic datasets

The joint research team will analyse governed datasets from the Emirati Genome Program and Malaffi, Abu Dhabi’s health information exchange platform.

The study has received Institutional Review Board approval and regulatory authorisation from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. The researchers will begin analysing the datasets after completing onboarding to the department’s secure Trusted Research Environment (TRE).

The platform enables approved researchers to examine genomic and health information within a protected environment, subject to data privacy, security and research-governance requirements.

Addressing gaps in genomic research

The partnership also aims to address the underrepresentation of populations from the Middle East and other regional communities in large-scale genomic research.

The university and Sanofi said the study would help expand the evidence available on genetic factors associated with chronic respiratory diseases in the region. Such research could contribute to future investigations into disease biology and potential therapeutic approaches.

Prof. Habiba Al Safar, dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University, said the collaboration would bring together population genomics and international research expertise to address gaps in regional genomic knowledge.

Sanofi's Baptiste de Clarens, general manager for Vaccines, Greater Gulf, said the agreement reflected the company's commitment to expanding research and development collaboration with academic institutions in the UAE.

The findings will undergo scientific evaluation and are expected to be shared through appropriate peer-reviewed channels.