As US companies like Function Health attract major investment, UAE-based Aden is bringing comprehensive biomarker testing, personalised insights and ongoing health tracking to the region.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, November 6, 2026 — The global market for personalised and preventive healthcare is attracting growing attention, with companies such as Function Health helping bring comprehensive biomarker testing into the mainstream.
Now, UAE-based precision health startup Aden, backed by $2 million in seed funding, is building its own approach to the category, combining at-home blood testing, personalised health insights and repeat measurements in an annual membership.
Rather than treating blood testing as an isolated event, Aden aims to give individuals a clearer, evolving understanding of their biology and how it changes over time.
Beyond the One-Off Blood Test
Conventional blood testing plays an essential role in healthcare, helping clinicians assess medical conditions and monitor selected health indicators.
However, routine tests typically focus on biomarkers relevant to a particular clinical need, with results interpreted against established reference ranges.
For individuals seeking a broader understanding of their health, this can leave important questions unanswered about how different aspects of their biology relate to one another and how their results are changing over time.
Aden's initial blood test measures 125+ biomarkers across cardiovascular, metabolic, hormonal, thyroid, immune and other key body systems.
Samples are collected at home by healthcare professionals, with results typically available within 48 hours.
The company's platform brings related biomarkers together, presenting findings through accessible explanations, biological age estimates and an Aden Score.
Members also receive a personalised protocol covering areas such as nutrition, lifestyle and supplementation, informed by their results and individual goals.
“I think most people get their blood results back, hear that everything looks normal and move on,” said Sarah Cronin PhD, Aden's founder and CEO.
“And that's reassuring from a clinical perspective. But it doesn't necessarily tell them how different aspects of their biology are working together, or what they could be doing to support their long-term health.”
From a Snapshot to a Living Picture
Aden's annual membership is built around two blood tests per year.
The first establishes a comprehensive baseline, while a more focused assessment six months later measures selected biomarkers to help members track changes over time.
By comparing results across multiple measurements, members can begin to understand their own biological history rather than relying solely on individual readings.
Their personalised protocol is then updated to reflect their latest results.
“Your biology isn't static, so we don't think your understanding of it should be either,” said Cronin.
“We want people to see what has changed, understand what might need attention and make more informed decisions about their health.”
A Growing Global Market for Precision Health
Aden enters a market attracting significant investment and increasing consumer interest.
In the United States, companies such as Function Health have helped establish comprehensive biomarker testing as a consumer health category.
In November 2026, startup intelligence platform Dealroom highlighted Aden's entry into the UAE market, placing the company within the broader growth of consumer preventive health and comparing its recurring-testing approach with developments in the US.
Dealroom also reported that Function Health secured $450 million in growth financing in July 2026, following a $298 million Series B.
While Aden is at a much earlier stage, the comparison illustrates the growing interest in health platforms that bring together biological data, personalised interpretation and ongoing monitoring.
Aden's focus is on developing a connected health membership for the UAE market, with plans to expand across the GCC and into international wellness hubs.
Building a Living Map of Human Biology
Aden's longer-term ambition extends beyond blood testing.
The company is developing what it describes as a living map of each member's biology, bringing different types of health information together to create a more connected, evolving picture over time.
Its roadmap includes genetics, microbiome analysis, body composition assessments and VO₂ max measurements.
The goal is to help members understand how different aspects of their biology relate to one another and how their health markers evolve.
Why the UAE?
Aden has chosen the United Arab Emirates as its first market, positioning itself within a region investing in healthcare innovation, preventive health and digital health services.
The opportunity is particularly relevant given the country's public health challenges.
According to the UAE's 2024–2025 National Health and Nutrition Survey, 22.4% of adults are living with obesity, 25.9% have high blood pressure and 54.2% have elevated cholesterol levels.
Alongside increasing awareness of preventive health, these challenges highlight the importance of helping individuals better understand their health markers and make informed lifestyle decisions.
Aden's membership brings testing, interpretation and follow-up into a single service, reducing the fragmentation often associated with comprehensive health assessments.
Combining Healthcare Expertise and Technology
Aden is led by founder and CEO Sarah Cronin PhD, whose background includes experience at global pharmaceutical company GSK and Trinity College Dublin.
The leadership team also includes Chief Marketing Officer Sam Liddell and Head of Data Science Adriana Pitea PhD.
Together, the team is building a technology-driven health membership designed to make detailed biological information more accessible and practical for everyday use.
For Aden, the ambition is not to replace conventional healthcare, but to complement it with a deeper and more continuous understanding of personal biology.
“What people actually want to know is what needs attention and whether the changes they're making are working,” said Cronin.
“That's the bit we care about.”
About Aden
Aden is a UAE-based precision health company offering an annual membership designed to help individuals understand and track their biology over time.
The membership includes an initial at-home blood test measuring 125+ biomarkers, personalised health insights, biological age estimates, an Aden Score and a tailored health protocol.
A focused retest six months later allows members to monitor changes and informs updates to their personalised recommendations.
Aden provides health information and analysis and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment.
Aden is initially available in the United Arab Emirates.
Website: https://aden.health/
Membership information: https://aden.health/get-started
