LIFEPharma gene therapy initiative invests AED 100 million to develop treatments for rare blood disorders and boost UAE’s advanced healthcare ambitions.
ABU DHABI: LIFEPharma has launched the LIFEPharma gene therapy initiative, marking a major step in the UAE’s push to lead advanced therapeutics in the region. Announced at Make it in the Emirates 2026, the programme introduces a new biotech spin-off, EQUIGENE Therapeutics, focused on end-to-end development of cell and gene therapies.
Backed by over AED 100 million in investment, the LIFEPharma gene therapy initiative will initially target rare inherited blood disorders such as haemophilia A and B, thalassaemia, and sickle cell disease. These conditions affect thousands across the UAE and wider MENA region, where access to curative treatments remains limited. The initiative aims to bridge this gap by leveraging global partnerships and proven technologies, with a projected timeline of three to five years for market readiness.
The programme is led by leading experts including Prof Alok Srivastava and supported by Burjeel Holdings through its Centre for Research on Rare Blood Disorders. It combines clinical research excellence with scalable manufacturing capabilities to accelerate innovation while maintaining cost efficiency.
A key pillar of the LIFEPharma gene therapy initiative is the UAE–India healthcare corridor, designed to expand access to advanced treatments. By combining the UAE’s regulatory strength and infrastructure with India’s large patient base, the initiative aims to democratise gene therapy and deliver affordable solutions to underserved populations.
The move aligns with the UAE’s industrial strategy, which identifies pharmaceuticals as a priority sector for economic growth. By building local capabilities in gene therapy, the country is positioning itself as both a developer and exporter of cutting-edge medical innovation.
