The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global biopharma company Sanofi at the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, USA, to accelerate vaccine research and development while strengthening local manufacturing capabilities.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH, and Baptiste de Clarens, General Manager Greater Gulf, Vaccines at Sanofi. It was witnessed by H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the DoH, and Laurie Gery, Global Head of Business Development, Vaccines at Sanofi.
The partnership aimed to leverage Abu Dhabi’s advanced health infrastructure and research ecosystem to shorten the timeline from early vaccine research to market availability, using real-time data analysis and parallel clinical trial phases.
“Abu Dhabi offers a globally connected, purpose-driven environment for leading research. Together with Sanofi, we aimed to drive transformative change that contributes to global health security,” said Dr. Al Mannaei.
The agreement laid out plans to streamline regulatory processes, promote knowledge sharing, and enhance vaccine manufacturing preparedness, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a regional hub for pharmaceutical innovation.
Sanofi’s Baptiste de Clarens commented:
“The MoU with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi marked an encouraging step toward advancing global health security. It reflected our shared ambition to address public health challenges through meaningful scientific collaboration.”
The two parties also committed to advancing clinical research, funding frameworks, and equitable vaccine access, contributing to broader efforts to bolster the resilience and sustainability of healthcare systems in Abu Dhabi and globally.
The agreement was part of a wider U.S. mission led by DoH from June 15 to 21, during which a high-level Abu Dhabi delegation held over 20 strategic meetings with public and private sector leaders. The delegation included representatives from Mubadala BIO, PureHealth, Masdar City, NYU Abu Dhabi, MBZUAI, and other stakeholders in Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem.
This strategic collaboration highlighted Abu Dhabi’s continued commitment to driving health-tech innovation and securing its position as a leader in next-generation healthcare solutions..
