Houston, USA: Axiom Space, a pioneer in human spaceflight services and space infrastructure development, and Burjeel Holdings PLC, a leading healthcare provider in the MENA region, have entered into a mutual collaboration to perform medical research in space.
The collaboration was officially done by signing a Memorandum of Understanding, which focuses on utilizing the microgravity environment to foster healthcare and medical technologies.
The signing of the MOU was held at the Burjeel Institute for Global Health in New York. The attendees were Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, and Mr. John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings. Their initial phase will involve sending a suite of medical technologies into space aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), scheduled for launch next spring.
These technologies are applicable in hospitals and clinics like Burjeel Medical City and will be operated remotely by Axiom Space astronauts to learn the effects of microgravity on biomarkers, drug quality, and remote health services.
Dr. Lucie Low, Chief Scientist at Axiom Space, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that, “This partnership delivers how Axiom Space is opening the world for global medical research in space. The importance of microgravity will further our understanding of the human body and offer innovation in science and technology for the benefit of humanity.”
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil highlighted the potential benefits, remarking that, “This joint venture aligns with the UAE’s vision for space exploration and brings next-generation healthcare solutions to the global stage. We are creating the basis for improved patient outcomes today and in the future.”
Axiom Space’s commitment to human spaceflight and infrastructure includes the development of the Axiom Station, the first commercial space station in low-Earth orbit. Meanwhile, Burjeel Holdings, with a network of 89 healthcare assets across the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, continues to advance healthcare innovation across the MENA region.
This partnership leads to significant advancements in medical research, furthering the potential for space-based healthcare solutions.