Sidra Medicine and İzmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG) Sign MoU to Advance Pediatric Biomedical Research
Reading Time: 2 minutesStrengthening Collaboration in Genomics, Precision Medicine, and Translational Research 18 March 2025, Doha, Qatar – Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the İzmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG) to enhance collaboration in pediatric biomedical research. The agreement marks a significant milestone in fostering scientific research, innovation, and knowledge exchange between the two institutions. Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer at Sidra Medicine, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating: “The MoU with IBG is a major step in accelerating genomic discoveries for rare diseases. Our collaboration will focus on key areas including biobanking, genomics and multi-omics, bioinformatics, animal models of disease, and stem cell research. By working together, we aim to advance precision medicine and develop groundbreaking solutions for children with complex medical conditions.” Prof. Yılmaz, Director of IBG, said: “Partnering with Sidra Medicine, a globally recognized leader in pediatric healthcare and research, reinforces our commitment to advancing biomedical research. This collaboration will enable us to make meaningful strides in genomic and translational medicine, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for children globally.” The partnership with IBG will also establish a framework for collaborative research projects, academic exchanges, and the sharing of expertise in key areas such as genomics, precision medicine, and translational research. By combining resources and knowledge, Sidra Medicine and IBG aim to address critical health challenges affecting children worldwide. Prof. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine said: “Our agreement with IBG will also enable student exchanges and visiting scientist programs in both directions between Qatar and Turkey, as well as joint grant applications. Additionally, we will establish research cohorts with similar disorders across the MENAT region, helping us gain deeper insights into disease patterns and therapeutic interventions.” The agreement paves the way for future joint initiatives, including research collaborations, training programs, and knowledge-sharing efforts that will benefit both institutions and the broader scientific community.
Sidra Medicine Study Identifies New Non-Invasive Method for Detecting Heart Disease Risk
Reading Time: 2 minutesBreakthrough Study Identifies Early Heart Disease Markers in Blood and Saliva 11 March 2025, Doha, Qatar – Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has published a study in Scientific Reports, a journal from Nature Portfolio titled “Distinctive Blood and Salivary Proteomics Signatures in Qatari Individuals at High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease“. The study identifies protein markers that can help detect individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease. These non-invasive methods contribute to advancing personalized healthcare and facilitating early diagnosis. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, accounting for 29 percent1 of all deaths in Qatar, with risk factors like diabetes and hypertension driving the disease burden. In the broader Middle Eastern population, CVD accounts for 34 percent2 of deaths. The Sidra Medicine study offers promising insights into precision medicine, with the potential to transform strategies for managing and preventing CVD. Dr. Souhaila Al Khodor, Director of the Perinatal and Reproductive Health Division and Principal Investigator at the Laboratory of Microbiome and Biomarkers Discovery, said: “Our study is a step forward in advancing precision medicine for cardiovascular disease. We identified eight biomarkers for CVD-risk that appear in both blood and saliva, demonstrating that non-invasive saliva-based testing could serve as an alternative to traditional blood tests. This approach could significantly improve screening efforts, allowing for timely interventions and better management of modifiable risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.” The research, conducted as part of the Microbiome and Biomarkers Discovery lab at Sidra Medicine, was led by Dr. Souhaila Al Khodor and Principal Investigators, Dr. Annalisa Terranegra and Dr. Jean Charles Grivel. The multidisciplinary team also included Dr. Ghada Yousif, Research Specialist and Staff Scientists – Dr. Selvasankar Murugesan, Dr. Mohamed Nadhir Djekidel and Dr. Giusy Gentilcore. Prof. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: “Qatar has built a world-class ecosystem for precision medicine, integrating genomic research, national biobanking, and targeted healthcare initiatives. With participants recruited through Qatar Biobank and funding from the Qatar National Research Fund, this study demonstrates how we can translate local genetic insights into innovative healthcare solutions that has global implications. By focusing on cardiovascular disease, which has a significant death rate in the region, we are addressing a critical health challenge and working to reduce its impact on the Qatari population.” Sidra Medicine continues to lead in advancing innovative healthcare solutions tailored to the needs of the Qatari population. Through cutting edge research, Qatar is driving breakthroughs in precision medicine, enhancing early diagnosis and risk management for cardiovascular disease. Click here to read the full study, which was awarded via Qatar National Research Fund’s Path to Precision Medicine 2-PPM2 grant under the Qatar Genome Program.
Sidra Medicine Launches Masterclasses Ahead of Precision Medicine and Future of Genomics 2024 Summit
Reading Time: 2 minutes17 November 2024, Doha, Qatar – In anticipation of the upcoming Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics 2024 Summit (PMFG 2024), Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity, will host a series of specialized masterclasses from December 1-2, 2024 at its premises in Doha. These masterclasses are designed to provide healthcare professionals and researchers with practical skills and insights that align with core PMFG 2024 themes. Three masterclasses are open for registration: Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from leading global experts, gaining hands-on knowledge in areas such as gene curation, genetic counseling, and the use of AI in Biomedical research. This prelude to the main PMFG 2024 Summit provides a unique platform for in-depth learning and networking among professionals invested in advancing precision medicine and genomics. Speakers and ParticipantsThe masterclasses will host several high-profile speakers and participants, including Dr. Marina DiStefano, (ClinGen Principal Investigator, Broad Institute/MIT, USA), Dr. Peter Owotoki, (Co-Founder and CEO of vitafluence.ai), and Dr. Ammira Al-Shabeeb Akil, (Principal Investigator and the lead of the Genetic and Metabolic Disorders Clinical Research Program at Sidra Medicine). Dr. Ammira Al-Shabeeb Akil, Principal Investigator, the organizer of the masterclasses and the lead of the Genetic and Metabolic Disorders Clinical Research Program at Sidra Medicine and Organizing Chair of PMFG 2024, said: “The masterclasses provide an immersive runup to PMFG 2024, focusing on actionable insights and hands-on sessions. Attendees will gain practical expertise that they can directly apply in their fields, as well as engage in collaborative discussions to advance precision medicine in the Middle East and beyond.” Connecting Practical Knowledge to Summit ThemesThese masterclasses deepen understanding of the themes spotlighted at PMFG 2024, running from December 3-5, 2024. Participants will explore genomics applications for personalized care, cutting-edge genetic therapies, and innovative diagnostic solutions which will create a cohesive learning experience in preparation for the Summit’s broader discussions on precision healthcare advancements. Register NowTo register for the PMFG 2024 masterclass, please visit: Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics 2024 Summit – Master Classes – Online Single Registration. To register for the PMFG 2024 summit, please visit: Precision Medicine and the Future of Genomics 2024 Summit (PMFG 2024) – Online Single Registration.
