The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has spotlighted its artificial intelligence-driven drug efficacy design initiative, known as the InSilico project, during its participation at World Health Expo (WHX 2026), marking a significant step in the UAE’s push toward digital transformation in pharmaceutical development.
The InSilico project leverages advanced digital modelling and generative AI technologies to accelerate pharmaceutical research and development. By assessing the effectiveness of drug compounds before manufacturing begins, the system is designed to reduce costs, shorten development timelines, and improve the precision of compound evaluation.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, EDE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InSilico Medicine AI Limited to expand collaboration in AI-powered medical innovation. The agreement was signed by Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of EDE, and Dr Alex Aliper, President of InSilico Medicine AI Limited.
Both parties described the partnership as a strategic move to strengthen national capabilities in artificial intelligence applications within the pharmaceutical sector. The collaboration is expected to contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable healthcare ecosystem, while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional hub for health technology and pharmaceutical innovation.
During WHX 2026, EDE highlighted the InSilico project as a key milestone in modernising drug development processes. The initiative integrates generative AI and deep learning tools to analyse biological, chemical, and clinical data, enabling faster identification and optimisation of promising drug compounds.
According to EDE officials, the use of AI-driven design platforms can support predictive toxicity studies, enhance safety profiles, and reduce reliance on animal models in early-stage research. This approach not only improves efficiency but also aligns with global trends toward more ethical and data-driven pharmaceutical research.
Dr Shaikha Al Mazrouei, Director of the Reference National Laboratory Drug Department at EDE, noted that the deployment of advanced AI systems based on generative models and reinforcement learning algorithms will strengthen the UAE’s pharmaceutical research capabilities. She added that these technologies allow for more accurate testing and the generation of compounds with improved efficacy and safety outcomes.
The initiative supports broader national priorities, including pharmaceutical security and the sustainable availability of high-quality medical products at competitive prices. It also complements ongoing efforts to localise biotechnology industries and upgrade the UAE’s pharmaceutical manufacturing model.
Through partnerships such as this, the Emirates Drug Establishment aims to enhance the competitiveness of the national pharmaceutical sector, encourage specialised research, and ensure long-term sustainability in medical product development across the country.
