17/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Another Milestone for KMU: IBMS Signs Material Transfer Agreement with UCL for Rare Genetic Disease Research
Peshawar: Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar, has achieved another landmark in international research collaboration as the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IBMS) successfully signed a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) with the University College London (UCL), UK for the advanced molecular analysis of rare genetic diseases.
Under this agreement, UCL will perform Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of patients with rare genetic disorders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa free of cost. This collaboration will significantly enhance the diagnosis of previously undiagnosed and complex inherited disorders, including primary microcephaly, inherited neurodevelopmental disorders, muscular dystrophies, hereditary ataxias, leukodystrophy, metabolic disorders, epilepsy syndromes, Parkinson's diseases and other rare congenital conditions. The initiative is expected to transform the diagnostic landscape for rare diseases in the province, offering hope to countless patients and families.
The collaborative research will be conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Musharfaf Jelani and Prof. Dr. Inayat Shah, further strengthening the long-standing research partnership between KMU and UCL and promoting cutting-edge genomic medicine in Pakistan.
This achievement reflects KMU's expanding global research footprint and is fully aligned with the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq, whose commitment to research excellence, innovation, and international collaboration continues to elevate the University's standing on the global stage.
Heartiest congratulations to Prof. Dr. Musharraf Jelani, Prof. Dr. Inayat Shah, Dr. Zohaib Khan, the teams at IBMS and ORIC, and the entire KMU family on this remarkable accomplishment. This partnership marks another proud step toward advancing precision medicine, strengthening global scientific collaboration, and improving healthcare outcomes for the people of Pakistan.
