
Insights + interviews
OncoMASTER and NOVO Genomics Collaborate to Pioneer Precision Oncology in Saudi Arabia
OncoMASTER, a leader in precision oncology from South Korea, and NOVO Genomics, an innovative Saudi biotech company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to initiate feasibility studies in Saudi Arabia.
This collaboration is set to revolutionise cancer care in the Middle East through AI-driven oncology.
We are proud to partner with NOVO Genomics. This partnership opens new pathways for precision medicine, enabling treatments to be tailored to each patient’s genetic profile, diagnosis information, cancer progression, and treatment history. By merging precision medicine with machine learning, we can empower healthcare providers to deliver the most personalised solutions for cancer patients.
Dr. Woo Young Jang, CEO of OncoMASTER, expressed his enthusiasm
Benefits of Precision Medicine for Cancer Patients
Precision medicine is transforming cancer treatment by enabling targeted screenings for high-risk individuals, allowing early detection and less invasive treatments. By combining genetic and lifestyle data, it sharpens diagnostic accuracy, guiding physicians to select the most effective therapies and avoid unnecessary procedures. This personalised approach optimises treatment for each patient’s genetic profile, enhancing efficacy and reducing overall costs.
Traditional cancer treatment has often been complex, costly, and inconsistent in effectiveness. Precision medicine offers a transformative alternative, enabling personalised treatments that cater to each patient’s unique needs.
Dr. Woo Young Jang, CEO of OncoMASTER
Next Steps in the Partnership
The Proof of Concept (PoC) project will commence in the coming months, focusing on data-sharing and analytics between OncoMASTER and NOVO Genomics. Future discussions will address the S-MASTER project, aiming to establish an extensive genomics database for the region, potentially leading to innovative cancer therapies and clinical research opportunities.
The Active Age spoke with Dr. Woo Young Jang, CEO of OncoMASTER about the partnership and the S-MASTER project.
the Active Age (AA): What makes this partnership between OncoMASTER and NOVO Genomics significant, and how does it reflect the evolving landscape of precision oncology?
Dr. Woo Young Jang (WYJ): This partnership represents a groundbreaking collaboration that bridges South Korea’s advanced AI capabilities in oncology with Saudi Arabia’s growing emphasis on biotechnology and personalised healthcare. By integrating OncoMASTER’s expertise in AI-driven precision medicine with NOVO Genomics’ regional knowledge and genomic resources, we are setting a new standard for cancer care in the Middle East. This partnership underscores the global shift toward data-driven, personalised cancer treatments, moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches to therapies tailored to each patient’s genetic profile. Additionally, it positions Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in precision oncology, aligning with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to establish a world-class healthcare system.
AA: How does OncoMASTER’s predictive AI model, OCM-001, improve the treatment of colorectal cancer, and what impact do you anticipate it will have on patient outcomes?
WYJ: The OCM-001 model leverages advanced AI to classify colorectal cancer patients into groups most likely to respond to specific therapies, such as FOLFOX chemotherapy. By identifying the best treatment options for each patient based on their unique genetic and clinical data, the model reduces trial-and-error in treatment planning and optimises therapeutic efficacy. In collaboration with NOVO Genomics, we aim to adapt this model to the Saudi population, ensuring its applicability to local genetic profiles. We anticipate significant improvements in patient outcomes, including higher treatment success rates, reduced side effects, and overall better quality of life for colorectal cancer patients.
AA: Can you share more details about the S-MASTER project and its vision for creating one of the region’s largest cancer genomics databases? How does it compare to South Korea’s K-MASTER initiative?
WYJ: The S-MASTER project is inspired by South Korea’s K-MASTER initiative, which established one of the largest cancer genomics databases in Asia, enabling precise therapeutic matching and groundbreaking research. Similarly, S-MASTER aims to create a comprehensive genomic database tailored to the genetic makeup of Saudi patients. This database will support the development of personalised cancer treatments and drive innovation in precision medicine across the region. While K-MASTER focuses on South Korea’s population, S-MASTER will cater specifically to the Middle East, addressing regional healthcare needs and fostering local biotech innovation. This initiative also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by advancing research capabilities and creating high-value biotech jobs.
AA: How will the AI-based clinical trial matching solution enhance patient access to advanced treatments, and what role does NOVO Genomics’ local expertise play in this initiative?
WYJ: The AI-based clinical trial matching solution uses predictive algorithms to identify patients who are ideal candidates for ongoing and future clinical trials. This ensures that patients gain timely access to cutting-edge therapies while accelerating the development of innovative treatments. NOVO Genomics plays a critical role by contributing its localised genomic data and expertise, ensuring that the solution is tailored to the genetic and clinical characteristics of the Saudi population. By combining OncoMASTER’s technology with NOVO Genomics’ insights, we are making clinical trials more accessible and equitable for patients in the region.
AA: Beyond the feasibility studies, what are the long-term goals for this partnership, and how do you see it shaping the future of precision oncology?
WYJ: The long-term vision for this partnership extends beyond feasibility studies to establishing a robust ecosystem for precision oncology in the Middle East. This includes implementing the S-MASTER project, fostering local expertise in AI and genomics, and driving research and innovation in cancer care. Ultimately, our goal is to make personalised cancer treatments widely available, improve patient outcomes, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for precision oncology. By leveraging AI, big data, and regional partnerships, we aim to set a benchmark for integrating technology into healthcare, transforming the way cancer is diagnosed, treated, and managed.
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