In a significant move to address the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Abu Dhabi-based Arcera Life Sciences has established a strategic partnership with ISPOR UAE Chapter alongside launching a novel intravenous antibiotic in the United Arab Emirates. The memorandum of understanding, signed on February 5, 2026, creates a collaborative framework focused on advancing health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) within the region’s healthcare landscape.
The partnership emerges against the backdrop of alarming global health statistics from the World Health Organization, which identifies AMR as a critical public health threat responsible for approximately 1.14 million deaths directly attributed to drug-resistant bacteria in 2021 alone. Projections indicate that without immediate intervention, bacterial AMR could claim 39 million lives globally over the next quarter-century—equivalent to three deaths per minute. The economic implications are equally staggering, with World Bank forecasts suggesting AMR could trigger annual GDP losses reaching $3.4 trillion by 2030 due to escalating healthcare costs and productivity declines.
Arcera’s newly introduced antibiotic represents a pharmaceutical breakthrough designed to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria, including Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing pathogens. This development aligns with the UAE’s national antimicrobial stewardship programs aimed at preserving last-line medical defenses. The company has accelerated regulatory approval processes across GCC nations while advancing registration plans in South Africa, where authorization is anticipated by early 2027.
The collaboration will leverage ISPOR UAE Chapter’s global network and research capabilities alongside Arcera’s regional expertise to enhance evidence-based decision-making in healthcare technology assessment. The partnership specifically targets capacity building, career development, and mentorship programs to strengthen local research competencies.
Isabel Afonso, Chief Executive Officer of Arcera Life Sciences, emphasized that “building future-ready healthcare systems requires trusted partnerships and appropriate policy frameworks to translate scientific advancements into tangible real-world impact.” Professor Nadia AL Mazrouei, ISPOR UAE Chapter President, noted that “by combining our global resources with Arcera’s regional leadership, we can effectively address the unique challenges of the UAE’s rapidly evolving health technology landscape.”
The announcement coincided with Arcera’s participation in a high-level panel discussion titled ‘Securing the Future: Policies to Strengthen Healthcare for the Next Generation in the Middle East and Africa Region.’ The dialogue featured distinguished global experts focusing on creating sustainable policy frameworks that balance innovation with long-term healthcare system resilience.