Sidra Medicine Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Great Ormond Street Hospital

Driving Innovation in Rare Disease Treatment Through Joint Expertise

13 May 2025, Doha, Qatar – Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH), one of the world’s leading pediatric hospitals. The agreement focuses on collaboration across key areas of clinical service, research, and education in children’s health.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer of Sidra Medicine, and Mr. Matthew Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of GOSH, in the presence of Mr. Duncan Hill, the British Deputy Ambassador to the State of Qatar.

The partnership outlines a multi-year framework aimed at advancing treatment pathways for rare pediatric diseases, including the development and application of gene therapies. It will also enhance joint capabilities in clinical trial design and implementation, helping to drive progress in personalized pediatric medicine.

Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: “Our MoU with Great Ormond Street Hospital reflects our forward-looking vision to integrate global expertise into localized care models. With GOSH, we are building a knowledge bridge that will enhance clinical practice and drive the next wave of pediatric innovation with measurable impact on patient care.”

The alliance will create a coordinated referral system to facilitate timely access to advanced laboratory testing, ensuring specialized care for children with complex conditions, including genetic disorders and rare diseases. This streamlined approach will also improve diagnostic efficiency and support the creation of personalized treatment plans.

Mr. Matthew Shaw, CEO of GOSH, said: “What we are building together with Sidra Medicine will strengthen pediatric health systems for the future by leveraging expertise in clinical care, research, data and innovation, and education and training. By combining our expertise, we are not only supporting current clinicians but also laying the foundation for a more connected, resilient, and equitable model of global child health.”

Under the agreement, both institutions will roll out education and skills exchange initiatives to support the next generation of healthcare professionals. This includes pathways for physicians, nurses, allied health staff, through international fellowships, observerships, and training programs.

Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: “Sidra Medicine’s partnership with GOSH creates valuable opportunities for training, fellowships, and medical education, bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties. Our joint efforts will foster innovation, strengthen clinical skills as well as our medical education programs. This will help us develop a more knowledgeable and future-ready pediatric healthcare workforce, which will also ultimately improve how we provide pediatric care services.”

The MoU with GOSH also aligns with Sidra Medicine’s Clinical Trials Program, which focuses on the development of effective treatments for pediatric rare diseases.

Prof. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: “Sidra Medicine’s unique genetic data on Arab populations, combined with GOSH’s advanced secure data environment, world-class clinical and research expertise, creates a powerful opportunity to develop region-specific diagnostic tools and clinical trials. By partnering with GOSH, Sidra Medicine aims to accelerate access to state-of-the-art therapies and expertise necessary to improve outcomes for all our patients.”

By aligning clinical pathways, innovation, education, and research and through knowledge and skills exchange, Sidra Medicine and GOSH are laying the foundation for a future where children everywhere have access to more precise, effective, and inclusive healthcare solutions.

For more information, please visit: www.sidra.org and www.gosh.nhs.uk.