AstraZeneca, a science-led biopharmaceutical and one of the top 10 biopharma companies globally, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with G42 Healthcare, an AI-powered healthcare company, to locally manufacture innovative drugs in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement focuses on collaboration in four key areas including localising innovative industries, research and development, innovation and sustainability at a global scale.

Building on the ongoing efforts of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) in spearheading Abu Dhabi's healthcare ecosystem, the agreement cements the emirate's position as a hub for research and innovation in life sciences. It is the latest in a series of longstanding partnerships with key players in the pharmaceutical industry.

The agreement was signed by Ashish Koshy, Chief Executive Officer of G42 Healthcare and Pelin Incesu, Area Vice President, Middle East and Africa at AstraZeneca, in the presence of Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of DoH, Pascal Soriot, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at AstraZeneca, Dr Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of DoH, and Peng Xiao, Group Chief Executive Officer at G42.

It is in line with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the Make it in the Emirates initiative, which was launched by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology to enhance the UAE's business environment and position as an attractive destination for local and global industrial investors, said G42 Healthcare in a statement.

It also supports the growth and competitiveness of national industries, innovation and adoption of advanced technologies.