• IROS will be the primary service provider for this interventional trial
  • BioSapien’s flagship product being trialed, MediChip™, aims to reduce chemotherapy side effects
  • The partnership strengthens UAE’s position as a global hub for biotech innovation and clinical research

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E – 09 December 2025 – In an exciting opportunity for next-gen drug development, IROS, an Abu Dhabi-based contract research organization and part of the M42 Group, and BioSapien, the pioneering biotech company have partnered to conduct a landmark oncology clinical trial in Abu Dhabi, UAE.  

The six-month interventional trial is set to begin in Q1 2026, with IROS serving as the primary service provider. The partnership will focus on treating lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancers using BioSapien’s revolutionary MediChip™ platform. This localized treatment approach is designed to reduce the systemic side effects of chemotherapy – by up to 50% in preclinical models – while enhancing overall patient outcomes.

Lower-GI cancers, including colon, colorectal, and small intestine cancers, are among the world’s most common cancers, accounting for approximately 30 percent of cancer cases. According to Ministry of Health and Prevention Statistics in 2023, in the UAE, colorectal cancer is a particular public health concern, with it being the most common cancer in men, the third most common cancer in women after breast and thyroid cancer, and the third most common cancer in both men and women.

As primary service provider for this trial, IROS’s expertise as a groundbreaking CRO for clinical research will provide the highest standard of trial execution and oversight. The UAE’s clinical trials ecosystem has grown by 40 percent since 2020, and this initiative highlights the region’s commitment to accelerating novel, cutting-edge therapies for improved patient treatment.

Islam Eltantawy, General Manager of IROS, said: “We are proud to partner with BioSapien on its international clinical trial – right here in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration reflects IROS’s strength as a full-service clinical research organization delivering complex, high-impact studies. It also reinforces our commitment to advancing precision medicine and positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global clinical research.”

BioSapien’s clinical trials milestone aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s focus on elevating quality of life via technology and strengthens the country’s position as a global hub for biotech innovation and clinical research.

Dr. Khatija Ali, CEO of BioSapien, commented: “We’re proud to partner with M42’s IROS to bring our cancer-focused clinical trials to the UAE. This collaboration not only accelerates our mission to revolutionize the way chemotherapy is delivered but also exemplifies the UAE’s growing leadership in enabling cutting-edge biotech innovation. Together, we are shaping a future where precision medicine is both globally impactful and locally accessible.”

BioSapien’s partnership with expert CRO IROS, is a crucial step towards global validation of the MediChip™ platform. Operating in a region dedicated to healthcare innovation, BioSapien aims to achieve international regulatory and commercial certification. Trial success will advance BioSapien’s goal to localize and personalize cancer treatment with next-gen drug delivery platforms, potentially transforming the impact of cancer treatment on patients and caregivers. Through advanced clinical research collaborations such as this, IROS continues to drive medical innovation and improve patient outcomes worldwide.

ENDS

About IROS

IROS, part of the M42 group, a global tech-enabled health powerhouse, is a pioneering UAE-based Clinical Research Organization (CRO) dedicated to advancing excellence in clinical research and real-world evidence. Its mission is to leverage cutting-edge technologies to innovate in health and drive breakthroughs in clinical research. By conducting high-quality research and achieving groundbreaking insights, IROS aims to improve patients’ lives and shape the health landscape.

IROS’ comprehensive offerings spans all therapeutic domains, positioning it as a leader in regional medical research. With a team of high-caliber experts committed to precision, IROS offers both full-service solutions and tailored services to meet the unique needs of its partners. The organization continually integrates the latest technologies and techniques to drive innovation and excellence.

For more information, please visit, https://iros.ai/

About M42

M42 is a global health champion powered by artificial intelligence (AI), technology and genomics to advance innovation in health for people and the planet. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, M42 combines its specialized, state-of-the-art facilities with integrated health solutions like genomics and biobanks, and harnesses advanced technologies to deliver precise, preventive and predictive care, to impactfully disrupt traditional healthcare models and positively impact lives globally.

Established in 2023, following the coming together of G42 Healthcare and Mubadala Health, M42 has more than 480 facilities in 26 countries and over 20,000 employees. M42 includes renowned healthcare providers including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Danat Al Emarat, Diaverum, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital, and Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi. As well as operating the Emirati Genome Programme, M42 runs Abu Dhabi BioBank and Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), a global tech-enabled healthcare company operating Malaffi.

About BioSapien

BioSapien is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the future of localized drug delivery through its proprietary biodegradable 3D-printed delivery platform. Headquartered between the United States and the UAE, BioSapien’s flagship technology, MediChip™, enables sustained, targeted release of chemotherapeutics directly at the tumor site—minimizing systemic toxicity and revolutionizing cancer care. The company is backed by global experts in oncology, materials science, and regulatory strategy, and is preparing for its first-in-human clinical trials.

As part of the UAE’s growing biotech ecosystem, BioSapien is aligned with the nation’s vision to advance precision medicine, health innovation, and localized manufacturing capabilities. With a clear regulatory pathway, strong IP portfolio, and transformational applications beyond oncology—including infectious disease and post-operative care—BioSapien is positioned to become a cornerstone of the UAE’s sovereign biotech ambitions.

For more information, visit www.biosapien.com.