ProPhase signs deal with Abu Dhabi-based AI firm to expand genetic testing
ProPhase, which is based in Garden City, NY, announced the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recently between its ProPhase Precision Medicine Inc. and Nebula Genomics subsidiaries and G42 Healthcare, which is based in the Persian Gulf emirate.
Leveraging genomic data
The MOU pertains to genomic sequencing, artificial intelligence, sharing of genomic data insights. The companies also have a tentative plan in place with the goal of ‘synergizing’ their respective genomic sequencing capabilities.
G42 Healthcare is part of an Abu Dhabi based firm called Group 42 (G42), which bills itself as “a leading AI and cloud computing company dedicated to the development and implementation of holistic and scalable AI solutions.”
The company reportedly has launched a $10 billion fund to invest in late-stage technology companies. G42 CEO Peng Xiao, who was educated in Hawaii and Washington, DC, also sits on the board of Yahsat, a UAE-based satellite communications firm.
“G42 Healthcare is an enabler of the world’s largest and most comprehensive population genomics initiative – the Emirati Genome Program, which aims to move the traditional ecosystem from sick care to preventive healthcare for UAE’s citizens, making G42 Healthcare an ideal strategic relationship for ProPhase as we look to bolster our next generation sequencing capabilities and build our new state-of-the-art genomic sequencing facility,” said Ted Karkus, ProPhase Lab’s CEO.
Dr George Church, a genetics professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of Nebula Genomics, said, “As an active advisor to both ProPhase Labs and G42, I am excited that this collaboration brings together two organizations that are leaders in next-generation sequencing.”
In addition to its diagnostics laboratory, which also does rapid COVID-19 testing, ProPhase Labs also operates a dietary supplement contract manufacturing facility, and distributes the TK line of supplements targeting men’s sexual and prostate health.
