The University of the West Indies has embarked on a partnership that will bolster its clinical research and biomarker innovation in Barbados and across the wider Caribbean.

The UWI recently announced its collaboration with global pharmaceutical company EarlyHealth Group (EHG) to accelerate advanced biobanking infrastructure and incorporate genotype-based biomarkers into regional clinical and translational research.

Biomarking and biobanking involve identifying the genetic basis of hereditary disorders that disproportionately affect Caribbean populations, including hemoglobinopathies (abnormalities in the blood), oncogenic mutations (changes in cancer cells), and metabolic syndromes (disorders related to the consumption and digestion of foods).

While exploring the regional population’s diverse ethnic makeup, the partnership will leverage The UWI’s strong research capacity to improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance therapeutic interventions, resulting in better health outcomes across the region. Beyond improving the diagnostics and treatments of medical disorders, the institution aims to customise medical treatments to the specific needs of Caribbean communities.

“This collaboration represents an important step forward in The UWI’s mission to elevate health research in the Caribbean,” said Dr. Damian Cohall, dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The UWI Cave Hill.

“Through this partnership, EarlyHealth will not only support capacity-building efforts, such as laboratory enhancements and regulatory training, but help empower our scientific community to bring cutting-edge research closer to the people of the Caribbean, while contributing to the global scientific landscape.”

This strategic alliance underscores EHG’s and The UWI’s commitment to advancing evidence-based health care solutions for the Caribbean, while positioning the region as an emerging contributor to global pharmaceutical and biomedical innovation.

“We are excited to leverage our global sponsor network alongside The UWI’s deep understanding of Caribbean health needs, to create new clinical research opportunities for the region,” said Shaquille Williams, director of business development for the Caribbean region, EarlyHealth Group, said.

The Embassy of Barbados in the United Arab Emirates brokered the partnership between the two organisations, highlighting the growing importance of commercial diplomacy in a fast-changing multi-polar world.