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About Us
History and Values
Genatechs was established in 2025 through a powerful collaboration among accomplished leaders in genetics, biotechnology, and clinical research, each with a shared vision to improve healthcare access and diagnostic precision in Jordan and the region. The founding team includes Dr. Salem Akel, a senior scientist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with over 25 years of experience in cell and gene therapy development; Dr. Tawfiq Arafat, founder of the Jordan Center for Pharmaceutical Research and a pioneer in global-standard clinical trials; Dr. Bashar Karmi, a seasoned medical doctor and clinical pathologist; Dr. Penelope Shihab, a highly recognized biotech entrepreneur and innovation leader; and Dr. Zaidoun Salah, head of the Molecular Genetics Laboratory at Medicare in Palestine. Together, they built Genatechs to bring advanced genetic testing to the region—bridging world-class science with local access to empower providers and improve patient outcomes.
At Genatechs, our core values guide every aspect of our work and reflect our commitment to advancing healthcare in Jordan and the region.
- Accessibility: We believe that every patient deserves access to accurate, affordable genetic testing, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status.
- Integrity: We operate with transparency, ethics, and respect—for our patients, partners, and the sensitive nature of genetic information.
- Innovation: We stay at the forefront of genomic science and technology to ensure our services remain cutting-edge and clinically relevant.
- Collaboration: We build lasting partnerships with healthcare providers, institutions, and communities to promote better health outcomes through shared knowledge and trust.
- Compassion: We approach every test, result, and patient story with empathy, knowing that behind every sample is a life seeking clarity and care.
Together, these values fuel our mission to transform the way genetic testing is delivered and experienced across the region.
Mission
At Genatechs, our mission is to revolutionize healthcare outcomes in Jordan and the broader Middle Eastern region by delivering high-quality, accessible genetic testing services. We are committed to bridging the gap between advanced diagnostics and everyday clinical practice by equipping providers and patients with the tools they need to make informed, personalized health decisions. Through innovation, accuracy, and a strong emphasis on education, we strive to ensure that every patient—regardless of location or background—has access to the life-changing power of genetic insight.
Vision
We envision a future where precision medicine is the standard, not the exception. Genatechs aims to become the leading genetics laboratory in the region, setting benchmarks for scientific excellence, ethical care, and healthcare accessibility. By fostering strong partnerships with providers, policymakers, and communities, we are working to expand the reach of genetic testing, reduce barriers to early detection and prevention, and empower a healthier, more informed population across Jordan and the Middle East.
GENATECHS LEADERS
Tawfiq Arafat
Salah Zaidoun
Tawfiq Arafat
Brings over four decades of experience in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, and regulatory development. With a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry from the UK, he has contributed to shaping national and regional frameworks in healthcare and education. His career includes the major support in establishing the first Facul
Brings over four decades of experience in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, and regulatory development. With a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry from the UK, he has contributed to shaping national and regional frameworks in healthcare and education. His career includes the major support in establishing the first Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Jordan, serving as Vice President and Dean at the University of Petra, member of the board of trustees at University of Jordan and advising both the Ministry of Health and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) on pharmaceutical policy and regulation.
He is also a member of the higher scientific committee at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, supporting initiatives in science, education, and public health. His academic and research interests include pharmacogenetics and drug metabolism, with a focus on improving treatment outcomes through personalized medicine.
As the Founder and President of the Jordan Center for Pharmaceutical Research (JCPR)—the first EU-inspected Clinical Research Organization in Jordan—he continues to contribute to the advancement of ethical, high-standard clinical research, supporting both regional and international collaborations.
Salem Akel
Salah Zaidoun
Tawfiq Arafat
Possessing a PhD Molecular Pathology & Postdoctoral Hematopoietic stem cell biology, he is the Director of Cell & Gene Therapy Labs / St Jude children’s research hospital (USA), adjunct associate Professor at the Saint Louis University School of medicine. His major focus is the development of novel cell and gene therapies.
Dr. Akel is the
Possessing a PhD Molecular Pathology & Postdoctoral Hematopoietic stem cell biology, he is the Director of Cell & Gene Therapy Labs / St Jude children’s research hospital (USA), adjunct associate Professor at the Saint Louis University School of medicine. His major focus is the development of novel cell and gene therapies.
Dr. Akel is the founder/Chair of Yafa Medical Labs and has directed, over 25 years, operations of various CAP, AABB, and FACT accredited Cell therapy and medical laboratories. He is actively involved in scientific, clinical, and regulatory issues related to cell therapy, Biobanking and laboratory medicine. Active Inspector for FACT (Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy).
Previously Dr. Akel was the CEO/Lab director of the BabyCord-Jordan (INNOVIA biobank); a cell/tissue banking facility in Jordan granted, under his leadership, the AABB accreditation.
Formerly, he was the Scientific & Laboratory Director of the St. Louis Cord Blood Bank & the Cell therapy /Bone marrow transplantation Labs of the SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital where he has directed basic research, supported the US-FDA licensure.
Prior to this, he was appointed for 4 years as an assistant professor of pathology /Hematology at Hashemite University.
Dr. Akel is an active scientist and researcher; member of the AABB, ASH, and ISCT. As a SME, was elected for two terms as Member Cell Therapy Section Coordinating Committee & Leader Cord Blood banks subsection the AABB. He authored more than 30 peer-reviewed papers and presented more than 100 scientific presentations at international conferences.
Salah Zaidoun
Salah Zaidoun
Salah Zaidoun
An associate professor in molecular genetics. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from the University of Jordan and a PhD in Experimental Medicine and Cancer Research. He also completed postdoctoral training in cancer immunology.
Dr. Salah is leading the Molecular Genetics Laboratory at Medicare Laboratories in Palestine s
An associate professor in molecular genetics. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from the University of Jordan and a PhD in Experimental Medicine and Cancer Research. He also completed postdoctoral training in cancer immunology.
Dr. Salah is leading the Molecular Genetics Laboratory at Medicare Laboratories in Palestine since 2005 and has served as a consultant at Augusta Victoria Hospital Molecular biology laboratory in Jerusalem. His academic roles have included faculty appointments at Al-Quds Bard College and the Arab American University Palestine (AAUP), where he served as an Associate Professor and Director of the Medical Research Center.
His research focuses on hereditary diseases and cancer genetics. He has published extensively, with over 50 peer-reviewed articles and several international conference presentations. His contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious fellowships and research grants. Dr. Salah is also an inventor of a smartphone application for breast cancer detection and maintains a strong commitment to advancing cancer and hereditary disease diagnostics and research capacity in Palestine.
Bashar Karmi
Penelope Shihab
Salah Zaidoun
Clinical Pathology & MSc Medical Microbiology/Immunology. He is the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Medicare Labs, with over 35 years of leadership in laboratory medicine and healthcare management in Palestine. His expertise spans clinical pathology, blood banking, and thalassemia research, with a strong focus on improving diagnostic ser
Clinical Pathology & MSc Medical Microbiology/Immunology. He is the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Medicare Labs, with over 35 years of leadership in laboratory medicine and healthcare management in Palestine. His expertise spans clinical pathology, blood banking, and thalassemia research, with a strong focus on improving diagnostic services and patient care.
As CEO and Chairman of Medicare Labs, he has spearheaded the expansion and modernization of diagnostic services in Palestine, establishing it as a key player in regional healthcare. Previously, he served as General Manager of Medicare (1998–2017) and Head of Laboratory Services for the Palestinian Ministry of Health (1991–1998), where he laid the foundation for standardized laboratory practices and blood banking systems in the West Bank.
A dedicated advocate for thalassemia prevention, Dr. Karmi co-founded the Palestinian Thalassemia Patients’ Friends Society and led groundbreaking studies on iron overload management, prenatal testing, and quality of life for thalassemia patients, published in peer-reviewed journals. His research has informed national health policies and international collaborations.
In academia, he contributed to medical education as a part-time lecturer at Al-Quds University and Birzeit University, influencing future generations of healthcare professionals. His expertise bridges clinical pathology, public health, and medical research, driving innovation in diagnostics and patient-centered care.
Penelope Shihab
Penelope Shihab
Penelope Shihab
An innovation leader, biotech entrepreneur, and higher education strategist passionate about translating bold ideas into real-world impact.
Currently, serves as Executive Director for Innovation & Collaborative Ventures at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), where she builds global partnerships, accelerate commercialization, and mentor start
An innovation leader, biotech entrepreneur, and higher education strategist passionate about translating bold ideas into real-world impact.
Currently, serves as Executive Director for Innovation & Collaborative Ventures at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), where she builds global partnerships, accelerate commercialization, and mentor startups at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Previously, co-founded the Wyoming Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, leading statewide programs to empower faculty, students, and innovators—while advising the university president on healthcare, innovation, and regional development.
As founder and CEO of MonoJo Biotech, she developed pioneering skincare innovations recognized by Forbes, Arabian Business, and the World Economic Forum. Also launched the Applied Scientific Research Fund to advance STEM in the Arab world.
PhD in Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences from the University of Strathclyde, a postdoc from Cambridge, and multiple global leadership and innovation awards.
Our Facility
At the Heart of Jordan’s Medical Capital
In 2025, Genatechs proudly opened the doors to its newly built, state-of-the-art genetics laboratory in the heart of Amman’s premier medical district. Strategically located in the Jaffa Medical Complex, our facility sits directly across from the emergency entrance of the Arab Medical Center Hospital in Jabal Amman, just steps away from the 5th Circle.
Purposefully designed to support the most advanced molecular diagnostics and genomic testing, our lab features cutting-edge technology, a highly controlled environment for sample integrity, and streamlined workflows that ensure accuracy, speed, and patient safety. With dedicated consultation areas, private counseling spaces, and a team of leading scientists and healthcare professionals, our facility reflects our commitment to both clinical excellence and compassionate care.
As a central part of Amman’s growing medical hub, Genatechs is easily accessible to patients, providers, and healthcare partners from across Jordan and the region—helping bring the future of personalized medicine within reach.
Our Partners
