(Yicai) April 20 -- Nanovision Technology, as Chinese high-tech firm that specializes in radiation imaging, has signed a non-binding agreement with Dubai’s Genpharm to explore introducing its products to the Middle East and North Africa.

Under the memorandum of understanding, the two companies will explore collaboration on regulatory strategy, market entry, and clinical engagement. The agreement comes three months after Nanjing-based Nanovision received regulatory approval in China for its phased array computed tomography system.

“We’re pleased to partner with Genpharm, whose regional expertise and healthcare network will be instrumental in bringing this innovation to providers and patients across the MENA region once regulatory approvals are obtained,” Nanovision Chief Operations Officer Li Yuan said.

The Nanjing-based firm’s CompoundEye 24, approved by China's National Medical Products Administration on Dec. 31, is the world's first commercially cleared phased array CT system. Nanovision has also applied for approval from European Union regulators as part of its international strategy.

Unlike conventional CT scanners that rely on high-speed mechanical gantry rotation to acquire imaging data, CompoundEye 24 uses an electronically controlled multi-source architecture, enabling higher spatial resolution without mechanical movement. It also slashes radiation doses by more than half, according to Nanovision.

Last August, the device was installed for clinical trials at Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai, which is affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.

Genpharm was founded in 2012. Abdul Latif Jameel Health, the healthcare arm of the conglomerate Abdul Latif Jameel, acquired a controlling stake in it in January 2024. The firm focuses on rare diseases and the specialty pharmaceutical market in the MENA region and Turkey, with partners including Novartis Gene Therapy. Medical imaging equipment is not its traditional area.

The MENA region has a population of more than 500 million across countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.

Editor: Tom Litting