PESHAWAR (Web Desk) - Saudi Arabia’s Novo Genomics and the Precision Medicine Lab at Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) in Peshawar have launched the Saudi-Pakistan Biotech Bridge Initiative, a partnership to expand genomics and artificial-intelligence-based research aimed at combating cancer and other major diseases.
Signed in Riyadh last month, the memorandum of understanding was inked by Novo Genomics CEO Dr. Abdulelah Al-Hawsawi and Dr. Faisal Khan, director of RMI’s Precision Medicine Lab. Both institutions operate with government backing, Novo Genomics through Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health and RMI’s lab under Pakistan’s federally funded Planning Commission program.
Under the agreement, researchers will develop cross-border biobanks, carry out joint clinical studies and use AI to predict and prevent diseases. The initiative also includes academic exchanges and joint conferences to train young scientists and strengthen regional biotechnology expertise.
Dr. Khan, who is leading the project in Pakistan, said the accord followed months of discussion.
“We’ve been having conversations with Novo Genomics in Saudi Arabia, one of the leading startups in precision medicine, and that has matured into an MoU … which we are calling the Saudi-Pakistan Biotech Bridge,” he told the media.
“This is a gateway now for us to exchange our latest research and ideas and our prototypes, as well as talent from both sides, which is again very important for any research enterprise.”
He said the collaboration would allow both sides to study their populations’ genetic makeup and accelerate progress in precision medicine:
“Novo Genomics has good know-how of their population, we have a good understanding of ours and this will really speed up our R&D efforts in this space of medicine.”
Khan added that the partnership supports both nations’ technology-driven economic goals: