UAE-based healthcare group to aid in advanced medical research in space

A UAE-based healthcare group is set to play an important role in advancing medical research in space through a new partnership to explore microgravity's effects on the human body.

The partnership between Abu Dhabi-based Burjeel Holdings and Axiom Space, a global leader in human spaceflight services was unveiled at a special event in New York’s Times Square which will focus on studying how the human body responds to the microgravity environment of space, with the goal of developing healthcare solutions that could transform treatments on Earth.

The collaboration will involve sending advanced medical technologies into space, where astronauts will conduct research during missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and other low-Earth orbit destinations. The initial phase of the partnership will involve testing a suite of medical tools commonly used in hospitals and clinics. These tools will be employed to study how microgravity affects biomarkers, drug quality, and the delivery of remote health services.

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), one of the upcoming missions, scheduled for next spring, will see astronauts wearing and operating these technologies throughout their training, launch, and space activities. The data collected during these experiments is expected to provide new insights into human health, which could lead to innovations in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, and John Sunil, group CEO, attended the event. “Through our groundbreaking partnership with Axiom Space, we are not only advancing the frontiers of medical innovation in microgravity but also ensuring that patients in the UAE and around the globe benefit from next-generation healthcare solutions,” said Dr Vayalil.

“This collaboration aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s ambitious vision for space exploration. Just as we continue to benefit from innovations born from space missions over 50 years ago—transforming everything from telecommunications to medical imaging—this partnership represents a commitment to leveraging the unique environment of space to develop and enhance treatment methodologies. Ultimately, we are laying the foundation for improved patient outcomes today and for generations to come,” said Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil.

Dr Lucie Low, chief scientist at Axiom Space, highlighted the significance of the partnership with Burjeel Holdings, noting how Axiom Space is creating opportunities for organizations worldwide to conduct medical research in space.

“We are reimagining how humans live and work in low-Earth orbit by utilizing microgravity to deepen our understanding of the human body. At the same time, we are educating the global community on how to harness the microgravity environment for scientific and technological advancements that benefit humanity,” said Dr Low.