The new project, supported by the European Union’s PharmaNext Programme, focuses on population-specific molecular profiling and AI-driven precision medicine for patients of African descent

 -- BioMed X, a leading innovation hub for pharma, announced the launch of its first research project in partnership with the Government of Barbados and with support from the European Union’s PharmaNext Programme.

The new global call for research proposals, entitled “AI-Enabled Therapy of Early Diabetic Kidney Disease in Barbados,” addresses one of the most pressing and underexplored challenges in cardiometabolic disease: the biological heterogeneity of early diabetic kidney disease in the Barbadian population.

The objective of this project is to understand the molecular mechanisms driving early diabetic kidney disease in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes in Barbados through deep molecular profiling and advanced AI-based modeling. By combining multi-layer molecular characterization of Barbadian patients and healthy controls with AI-driven modeling, the project aims to construct a population-specific digital African twin. This model is intended to enable refined patient stratification, improved biomarker discovery, and adaptive, data-driven therapeutic strategies.

Call for Application

BioMed X, together with its public-sector and European partners, invites bold and interdisciplinary research proposals that focus on the following key deliverables:

• Focused molecular profiling of Barbadian Type 2 Diabetes patients with early diabetic kidney disease and matched healthy controls.
• Development of an AI-driven digital African twin model capturing population-specific molecular heterogeneity, disease trajectories, and predictive stratification features.
• Identification and validation of novel molecular biomarkers to inform personalized diabetic kidney disease risk assessment and treatment adaptation in Barbados.

Original ideas reaching far beyond the current state of the art are particularly encouraged.

A New Model for Public-Private Collaboration

This initiative marks an important milestone for BioMed X, extending its established collaboration model into a direct partnership with a national government to address population-specific health challenges.

Leisel Juman, CEO of BioMed X Barbados, commented: “By partnering directly with the Government of Barbados and with support from the European Union, we are applying our global talent-sourcing and incubation model to a real-world public health challenge in an underrepresented population. This initiative creates a structured pathway from fundamental discovery to real-world impact - while equipping Barbados with the capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the global innovation landscape.”

Jonathan Reid, Minister of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology, added: “This launch reflects our commitment to positioning science and technology at the heart of Barbados’ future. Through collaboration, talent development, and early engagement of our young people, we are laying the groundwork for an innovation ecosystem that is globally connected and capable of driving sustainable national growth.”

H.E. Fiona Ramsey, EU Ambassador to Barbados, said: “Through the PharmaNext Programme, the European Union is committed to supporting innovative research partnerships that address global health challenges while strengthening scientific capacity. This project exemplifies how European support, local leadership, and international scientific excellence can come together to deliver impactful, inclusive innovation.”