Abu Dhabi and CHOP Partner to Advance Pediatric Gene Editing

Under the new memorandum, CHOP’s clinical team will provide specialized training to Abu Dhabi-based scientists, focusing on the entire gene-editing lifecycle. This includes the design of clinical trials, pharmacology studies, and the assessment of complex genetic variants. The program seeks to build a self-sustaining ecosystem for precision medicine, leveraging Abu Dhabi’s existing infrastructure, which includes nearly one million sequenced genomes from the Emirati Genome Programme.

Beverly L. Davidson, director of the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics at CHOP, noted that the initiative will guide local researchers through the practical translation of lab discoveries into therapies. This partnership aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to integrate research, clinical regulation, and talent development within its healthcare sector. By adopting CHOP’s "bench-to-bedside" model, the emirate intends to accelerate the development of personalized treatments for conditions such as urea cycle and genetic clotting disorders, ensuring these advanced interventions become more accessible to pediatric patients across the region.