M42 and QST Collaborate to Share Research on Carbon Ion Therapy

M42, an Abu Dhabi-based tech-enabled healthcare company, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Japan’s National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST). The agreement, inked during the visit of Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, aims to share research around carbon ion therapy, an advanced form of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. 

The two bodies will leverage their combined experience to further their understanding and knowledge of the technology. The collaboration is part of M42’s commitment to delivering world-class patient-centric care enabled by advanced technologies and innovative solutions. 

Carbon ion therapy has gained significant interest globally due to advantageous physical and radiobiologic properties compared to photon-based therapy. It allows dose escalation to tumors while reducing radiation dose to adjacent normal tissues. There are currently 16 centers around the world treating with carbon ion radiotherapy. To date, it has been studied and proven effective for many types of malignancies. QST is the world leader in carbon ion therapy since 1994.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of M42, said: “We are honored to sign this MoC with QST, the leaders in charged particle radio therapy, marking a pivotal milestone in our quest to expand clinical research in this field. By working hand in hand, we are confident that our collaboration will enable optimal cancer care, further potential clinical indications for carbon ion therapy, and shape the future of healthcare in the region and beyond.”

Shigeo Koyasu, President of QST said: “It is wonderful to start research cooperation with M42. This MOC will promote widespread use of carbon ion radiotherapy and help build a healthy and long-lived society with zero cancer deaths.”

QST was established in 2016 and is striving to establish world-leading research and development platforms, explore new fields, and serve as a center for radiation protection and radiation emergency medicine.

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