Equigen Therapeutics, a new biotechnology company spun out of VPS Health Group, represents a pivotal step in the UAE's ambitions in the field of advanced treatments, led by a select group of global hematology experts.

Abu Dhabi : Life Pharma, a subsidiary of VPS Health Group and the only one in the country to have received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, announced the establishment of a company specializing in biotechnology concerned with the integrated development of cellular and gene therapies, in a move that is considered one of the first initiatives of its kind in the region.

The announcement came during the second day of the "Made in the UAE" exhibition, where Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of VPS Health Group, revealed the launch of a new development program that embodies this strategic direction.

With an investment exceeding AED 100 million, the program will focus in its first phase on developing innovative treatments for rare inherited blood disorders, including hemophilia A and B, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia.

These diseases represent a significant health challenge in the UAE and the MENA region, affecting thousands of patients with limited access to curative treatments locally. This initiative aims to bridge this gap by adopting advanced treatment technologies and forging strategic partnerships with global academic and industrial institutions, with a target timeline of bringing these treatments to market within three to five years.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil said, “The UAE has adopted an ambitious vision to establish itself as a global hub for advanced industries, and the healthcare manufacturing sector is a key pillar in achieving this vision. This initiative is not limited to providing treatment, but extends to building national and sovereign capabilities in one of the most advanced fields of medicine. By developing gene therapies locally to serve patients across the region, we are contributing to shaping a future in which the UAE becomes a source of medical innovation, not just a recipient of it.”

This initiative is being led by Equigen Therapeutics under the supervision of Professor Alok Srivastava, a hematologist and global expert in cell and gene therapy, with the support of Burjeel Holdings’ Rare Blood Disorders Research Centre, led by Professor Khalid Musallam, which is a leading center in clinical trials, an internationally award-winning center, and among the most cited globally.

This initiative builds upon the UAE-India Healthcare Corridor, which combines a shared vision to expand access to gene therapies by providing treatment solutions to regions with unmet medical needs and high disease burdens. The initiative also leverages the UAE’s advanced regulatory environment, strategic support, and “Made in the UAE” vision, along with India’s large population, to accelerate the development of gene therapies. It will utilize a strategic manufacturing model that enables the efficient and cost-effective processing of vectors and cells, from clinical trials to commercial-scale production.

In this context, Professor Alok Srivastava said, "For a child with thalassemia or a young person with hemophilia, the reality is a lifelong, continuous treatment, which places a heavy burden on the patient and their family, as well as the healthcare system as a whole. Gene therapy is coming to radically change this reality."

For his part, Professor Khaled Muslim affirmed, "The partnerships we are leading within this initiative are designed to support integrated and effective development, with a clear focus on making innovative treatments available to a wider segment of patients."

The gene therapy initiative is in line with the UAE’s industrial direction, which includes the pharmaceutical sector among its priority sectors and seeks to significantly enhance its contribution to GDP by 2031.

About Life Pharma

Life Pharma is the only pharmaceutical manufacturer in the UAE with FDA approval, supplying regulated markets in the US, Canada, and Australia. As a key entity within the VPS Health portfolio, Life Pharma works closely with Burjeel Holdings’ clinical network to deliver integrated pharmaceutical and healthcare solutions across the region.

About VPS Health

VPS Health is an investment holding company founded by Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil. It comprises an integrated healthcare ecosystem encompassing pre-hospital response, advanced clinical care, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its portfolio includes Burjeel Holdings, a leading specialty healthcare company in the GCC; Response Plus Medical (RPM), a leading regional provider of pre-hospital emergency services; Life Pharma, the only pharmaceutical manufacturer in the UAE with FDA approval; and Ziva, a UAE-based manufacturer of hygiene and consumer health products. VPS Health operates in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and India, and employs over 18,000 people.

-I finish-

#Company Data

Disclaimer regarding the content of press releases
The content of this press release is provided by a third-party provider. We do not assume any responsibility for, nor do we have any control over, such content. This content is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and is not edited in any way. Neither we, nor our affiliates, will be liable for the accuracy, endorsement, or completeness of any opinions, views, information, or materials contained in this content.
This press release is provided for informational purposes only; the content does not constitute legal, investment, or tax advice, nor does it offer any opinion on the suitability, value, or profitability of any particular portfolio or investment strategy. Neither we nor our affiliates will be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions you take based on that content. You expressly agree and acknowledge full responsibility for your use of the information contained in this press release.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Refinitiv, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, relevant shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers, and licensors (collectively, the 'Refinitiv Parties') shall not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive, or exemplary damages; This includes, but is not limited to, losses of profits, savings, or revenues, whether due to negligence, tort, contract, or other theories of liability, even if the parties to Refinitiv were advised of the possibility of any such damages or losses occurring or actually anticipated them.