|
Johnson & Johnson
launches initiative to
support access to liquid
biopsy testing for non-small
cell lung cancer in the UAE
(DUBAI)
-
Johnson & Johnson has
announced a new initiative
in the United Arab Emirates
aimed at supporting access
to liquid biopsy testing for
patients diagnosed with
metastatic non-small cell
lung cancer (NSCLC). Through
the program, the company
will cover the cost of
liquid biopsy testing for
eligible patients where
diagnostic testing may not
be covered by insurance
plans, using genomic testing
technology from Guardant
Health for liquid biopsy
analysis.
Non-small
cell lung cancer accounts
for around
80–85% of lung
cancer cases globally,
making it the most common
form of the disease. Liquid
biopsy testing plays an
important role in
identifying specific genetic
alterations that may help
inform treatment decisions.
Expanding access to such
testing is therefore an
increasingly important step
in supporting
evidence-based,
individualized care. The
initiative aims to support
physicians with more timely
access to genomic insights
that can inform treatment
decisions, while
contributing to the UAE’s
broader focus on precision
medicine, early diagnosis,
and improved cancer
outcomes.
Commenting
on the initiative,
Pedro Matos Rosa, Managing
Director, Johnson & Johnson
Innovative Medicine, Gulf,
said: “In cancer
treatment, one of the most
important shifts we are
seeing is the move toward
truly personalized cancer
care. This begins with an
accurate and timely
diagnosis. Understanding the
genetic profile of a
patient’s cancer is
increasingly critical in
helping physicians determine
the most appropriate
treatment pathway and
ultimately improve patient
outcomes. By supporting
access to liquid biopsy
testing in the UAE, we aim
to help strengthen the
diagnostic ecosystem and
ensure that more patients
can benefit from advances in
precision oncology. At
Johnson & Johnson, our
commitment to oncology
extends beyond developing
medicines; it includes
collaborating with
healthcare professionals to
support innovation across
the entire patient journey,
from diagnosis through
treatment.”
Liquid
biopsy is a blood-based
testing approach that
analyses tumor DNA
circulating in the
bloodstream and may help
identify clinically relevant
genomic alterations
associated with NSCLC. Under
this initiative, liquid
biopsy analysis will be
performed using
Guardant
Health's assay, a global
precision oncology company
specializing in cancer
diagnostics. This assay is
designed to assess up to 74
cancer-associated genes,
with results available
within 7 days of sample
receipt at the laboratory,
enabling more timely
diagnosis and
decision-making.
By
supporting access to liquid
biopsy diagnostics, Johnson
& Johnson aims to contribute
to the ongoing development
of precision medicine in the
UAE. Expanding access to
timely testing can play an
important role in supporting
appropriate treatment
planning for patients, while
aligning with national
efforts to enhance early
diagnosis and quality of
care. For Johnson & Johnson,
initiatives such as this
reflect the broader Value of
Health perspective,
recognizing that investments
in earlier diagnosis and
effective treatment can
improve patient outcomes and
support more resilient and
sustainable healthcare
systems.
PRINT
THIS ARTICLE
|
