Abu Dhabi: Burjeel Holdings has opened a state-of-the-art laboratory for immunological profile testing and advanced molecular diagnostics in the United Arab Emirates.
The Group’s central laboratory, CoLab, has teamed with OncoHelix, a Canadian company that offers specialized molecular and immunological profile testing for clinical diagnostic and translational research in North America and beyond, to handle the technical and operational elements.
OncoHelix-CoLab is a first-of-its-kind facility in the UAE with extensive capabilities in molecular, cellular immunology, and transplant diagnostics. It is housed at Burjeel Holdings’ flagship facility, Burjeel Medical City (BMC).
At the inaugural event were Dr. Faisal Khan, CEO of OncoHelix, John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, and Canadian Ambassador to the UAE, Radha Krishna Panday.
The creation of OncoHelix-CoLab represents a major breakthrough in diagnostic medicine by allowing for the local performance of complex and specialized tests. This streamlines the procedure and keeps vital diagnostics in the UAE by doing away with the requirement for the conventional pack-and-ship method and preventing samples from being transferred abroad.
To provide a wide range of sophisticated diagnostic procedures, the cutting-edge lab facility will make use of cutting-edge technologies like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Droplet Digital PCR, and Multi-color Flow Cytometry.
Healthcare practitioners can anticipate quicker results and more diagnostic precision thanks to this facility, which will enable the repatriation of previously outsourced tests and eventually enhance patient outcomes.
Offering a wide range of specialized services like cancer genomic profiling, molecular diagnostics, cellular diagnostics, transplant diagnostics, and specialized immunology testing, OncoHelix-CoLab is well positioned to answer the particular healthcare needs of the UAE and MENA area.
Dr. Meer Taher Shabani Rad, Chief Medical Officer of OncoHelix-CoLab, said, “With OncoHelix-CoLab, we are establishing a first-of-its-kind facility that utilizes leading-edge international expertise to meet local needs. It offers a comprehensive suite of diagnostic services, providing deeper insights into disease pathology at a molecular level. Through this innovative collaboration with OncoHelix, we aim to address the unique healthcare challenges in the UAE and MENA, paving the way for better-tailored healthcare solutions and improved patient outcomes.”
The new OncoHelix-CoLab from Burjeel Holdings is intended to significantly reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, which will help the region’s healthcare system as a whole. The lab further advances the UAE’s strategic goals of promoting medical tourism and attaining healthcare self-reliance. Additionally, it is in a good position to act as a hub for research and development, fostering creativity and advancements in medical science.
To further develop local capacity and foster talent in sophisticated diagnostics, the laboratory will also provide clinical training and fellowship programs in molecular and transplant diagnostics.