Hikma, M42 sign strategic MOU to advance healthcare innovation in the UAE

Big moves are happening in the UAE's healthcare scene. London-headquartered Hikma Pharmaceuticals and M42, a powerhouse in AI-driven healthcare, have joined forces to shake up how colorectal cancer is detected and prevented. The two signed a game-changing agreement at the Arab Health 2025 conference, setting the stage for a future where early detection is easier, more precise, and — most importantly — more accessible.
How does it work?
At the heart of this partnership is Shield, a non-invasive blood test developed by Guardant Health. Unlike traditional colorectal cancer screening methods, Shield requires only a simple blood draw — no uncomfortable colonoscopies or stool samples. The test, which is the first of its kind to receive approval from the US FDA as a primary screening tool, is now part of Abu Dhabi's IFHAS health screening program. Patients across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region can now get screened using this cutting-edge method at key healthcare centers operated by M42.
Mazen Darwazah, Hikma's Executive Vice Chairman and President of MENA, put it simply: "This important endeavour is focused on enhancing early disease detection, enabling more precise diagnoses, and facilitating more effective treatments."
That means more people will get screened, more cancers will be caught early, and more lives will be saved.
Why does it matter?
Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly cancer worldwide, and yet, early detection makes all the difference. The problem? Traditional screening methods can be invasive and inconvenient, leading many to skip them altogether. That's where Shield changes the game. A quick and simple blood test removes a major barrier to screening, potentially boosting adherence rates and catching cancer before it's too late.
Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, CEO of Integrated Health Solutions at M42, emphasized the bigger picture: "By integrating AI and genomics-driven solutions, we are redefining traditional healthcare models to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all."
This isn't just about one test — it's about transforming the way healthcare is delivered.
The context
This partnership didn't happen in a vacuum. Hikma has been steadily expanding its footprint in precision medicine. Just last year, it secured exclusive rights to commercialize Guardant Health's suite of cancer detection tools across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). That includes Shield, as well as other cutting-edge tests for monitoring cancer recurrence and profiling tumors at a genetic level.
With Abu Dhabi's leadership pushing for a future defined by next-gen healthcare solutions, this collaboration aligns perfectly. AI, genomics, and precision medicine are no longer futuristic buzzwords — they're here, and they're changing lives. The Shield test is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle, a shift toward healthcare that is proactive, personalized, and powered by data.
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