Challenges and Opportunities of AI in Drug Discovery for MENA-Specific Diseases

AI has the potential to transform cell and gene therapy manufacturing ' from optimising bioprocessing and quality control to reducing costs and scaling production. For the Middle East, this presents a unique opportunity to build next-generation, AI-enabled manufacturing systems from the ground up, tailored to regional needs and disease profiles. However, realising this vision requires overcoming key challenges. Across MENA, inconsistent digital infrastructure, limited access to high-quality manufacturing and clinical data, and gaps in workforce readiness continue to slow adoption. At the same time, increasing investment, national biotech strategies, and growing collaboration between healthcare providers, technology companies, and research institutions are creating the foundations for progress. This session will explore how the region can move from ambition to execution ' leveraging AI to enhance GMP manufacturing, process optimisation, and scalability, while addressing the critical barriers that stand in the way.