AI and Biotechnology in the MENA Region

AI and Biotechnology in the MENA Region

By Medhat Kandil

AI and Biotechnology in the MENA Region: Pioneering Innovations

The intersection of AI and biotechnology is revolutionizing the industries of healthcare and nutrition in unprecedented ways, especially in the MENA region where these technologies are addressing unique regional challenges in medical research and patient care. This convergence, which began gaining significant momentum in the early 21st century, has opened new possibilities for diagnosing diseases, developing personalized treatments, and accelerating drug discovery processes.

The synergy between AI and biotechnology started to grow rapidly with the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies and the increase in computational power, enabling scientists to analyse vast amounts of biological data with greater accuracy and speed. In the 2010s, breakthroughs in machine learning algorithms, such as deep learning, further propelled this integration. AI’s ability to identify patterns and make predictions from complex datasets became a game-changer for biotechnology research and applications, with notable projects leading to improved healthcare outcomes and efficiency. However, this rapid integration also brings forth challenges, including ethical considerations and data privacy concerns, setting the stage for a critical exploration of how these technologies are shaping the future of healthcare as well as nutrition in the MENA region.

Pioneering Companies in AI & Biotechnology in the MENA Region

Four leading-edge companies – Rology, Proteinea, NoorDX, and AlProtein – are breaking new ground in AI and biotechnology within the MENA region. These innovators stand at the forefront of scientific advancement, dramatically shaping the landscape and showcasing the region’s growing expertise in these critical fields. Their work ranges from pioneering new medical therapies to developing technologies that promise to transform the food and beverage industries throughout the region. This vibrant sector is not only contributing to global scientific progress but also enhancing the economic vitality of the MENA region, attracting international partnerships and investments.

Rology: Pioneering Teleradiology

Rology is revolutionizing teleradiology by offering AI-driven diagnostics in underserved regions. Founded by Amr Abodraiaa, Rology aims to democratize radiology access across the MEA region, focusing on areas with a severe shortage of radiologists. For instance, Nigeria and Kenya have only 0.16 and 0.37 radiologists per 100,000 people, respectively, compared to 9 and 5 per 100,000 people in KSA and Egypt.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Rology’s growth from 2020 to 2022 due to increased demand for remote healthcare services. By the end of 2022, Rology expanded to Kenya and Saudi Arabia, achieving 99.8% medical accuracy and FDA 510(k) clearance by 2023. Their advancements include developing supervised learning models for image annotation and using Generative AI for medical report writing. They also optimized their platform to enhance matching accuracy of radiologists with cases, improving from 38% in 2022 to 79% in 2023, and reducing scan turnaround times from 7.5 to 4 hours.

By integrating AI with human expertise, Rology has halved diagnostic turnaround times while maintaining high accuracy, addressing healthcare disparities in underserved regions effectively.

Proteinea: Unlocking the Potential of Next-Gen Antibodies

Proteinea, a standout in the MENA region’s startup ecosystem, is transforming antibody engineering with AI-powered innovations. Antibodies, proteins produced by the immune system to counteract harmful substances, consist of two main regions: the Fab region and the more complex Fc region. While most research has focused on the Fab region, the Fc region has seen less exploration due to its intricacies. Proteinea is addressing this gap by leveraging advanced AI techniques to untangle the complexities of the Fc region, potentially leading to breakthroughs in more effective treatments.

Co-founded by Abdulaziz ElGammal, Proteinea has made significant strides in biotechnology by using AI to address protein engineering challenges. Through extensive data collection, the company developed Ankh, the first general-purpose protein language model, attracting support from Google. Ankh’s capabilities were instrumental in creating RaGene, an AI-powered gene optimization model. In collaboration with partners like GeneWiz, RaGene achieved up to an 890% increase in protein yield compared to traditional methods. This innovation is crucial for conditions like Diabetes and Hemophilia A, where high-yield proteins are essential for patient care.

Proteinea’s pioneering work in AI and biotechnology has garnered multiple grants and funding, promising to revolutionize treatments and make life-saving therapies more accessible and effective. Proteinea exemplifies the power of combining AI with biotechnology to solve pressing healthcare challenges.

NoorDX: Driving Innovation in Genomics at the heart of KSA

In Saudi Arabia, NoorDx is a beacon of innovation in Biotechnology and AI. Founded in 2017 by scientists Dillon Fritz, Jason Schrum, and colleagues, NoorDx aims to revolutionize genetic diagnostics and precision medicine. Despite challenges like securing funding and navigating regulations, the team persevered.

NoorDx focuses on innovative genome sequencing methods to uncover genetic disease insights. Their technologies transform genetic data into actionable clinical insights, empowering physicians in patient care. Their comprehensive services, including genetic counseling and whole genome analysis, significantly aid in understanding and managing complex diseases. The leadership team’s collaboration has driven NoorDx’s reputation as a global innovator.

Through relentless dedication to advancing genomic solutions, NoorDx enhances disease research and paves the way for breakthroughs in precision medicine, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the MENA region’s biotech landscape.

AlProtein: Transforming the Nutrition Industry

Amid global food supply disruptions following the 2022 Ukraine-Russia war, Omar Zaghloul founded AlProtein to revolutionize the nutrition industry. AlProtein aims to provide an eco-friendly, organic, gluten-free, and vegan protein alternative. Their breakthrough came from harnessing Lemna Spirulina, a microalgae strain with high protein yield.

AlProtein’s technology integrates advanced IoT systems and AI-driven biomanufacturing. Using reinforcement learning techniques, they optimize the farming environment for maximum efficiency and sustainability. Their secret recipe, AlPron, a trademarked local organic nutrient mix, creates ideal conditions for cultivating microalgae. This process uses 30 times less water and 10 times less land than traditional methods, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Their innovative protein extraction technology yields an 80% nutritional output, surpassing traditional soybean protein production. By utilizing brackish water and retaining 85% of the water used, AlProtein enhances sustainability further.

AlProtein has secured significant grants from UNICEF and the European Union, supported six UN Sustainable Development Goals, and set a new standard for the nutrition industry. Their efforts illustrate the transformative power of biotechnology and AI, heralding a new era in sustainable nutrition.

The Takeaway: AI and Biotechnology Are Crafting a Better Future

As we enter a transformative era in healthcare and nutrition, the innovative efforts of Rology, Proteinea, NoorDX, and AlProtein in the MENA region are setting new global standards. These pioneers are not just advancing medical and nutritional sciences; they are shaping a future where disease prevention and personalized treatments become the norm. Their work inspires a new generation of founders and technologists, signalling a future rich with potential and enhanced by AI and biotechnology. Stay tuned as these companies continue to innovate and transform their respective fields, promising to enhance our lives by redefining health and well-being on a global scale.