ABU DHABI (WAM)
The 2nd annual ADSCC Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Congress 2024, organised by Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC), commenced on Saturday at the Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi. The event marks a significant milestone toward the advancement of cellular therapy and regenerative medicine in the region.
The congress was inaugurated with opening remarks by Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Congress President, Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program at ADSCC, in the presence of Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President, and Chancellor of the UAEU, Dr. Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister For Medical Affairs and Life Sciences, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a number of official delegates from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and numerous healthcare organisations and universities.
Attended by more than 1,500 participants from across the globe, the opening featured a high-profile CEO Roundtable Session moderated by CNN's acclaimed anchor Becky Anderson, focusing on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the future of healthcare. The roundtable brought together prominent healthcare leaders including Shaista Asif, CEO of PureHealth; Dr. Georges Haber Pascal, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi; Mark Adams, CEO of CMC – Dubai; and Dr. Helen Sabzevari, CEO of Precigen, USA, who reflected on AI's impact on healthcare delivery and its power in transforming patient outcomes. The session explored crucial topics ranging from AI-driven diagnostics to personalized medicine approaches, setting a forward-looking tone for the congress.
Prof. Yendry Ventura, CEO of Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, commented on the significance of the opening CEOs roundtable: "The convergence of artificial intelligence and healthcare represents a transformative era in medical innovation. Today's discussions highlighted AI’s role in not only revolutionising how we approach treatment but also reshaping the entire healthcare ecosystem. This aligns perfectly with ADSCC's vision of pioneering advanced therapeutic solutions, positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of healthcare innovation. We are truly proud to see today the massive interest in joining the 2nd annual ADSCC Bone Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy Congress, a testament to our commitment to advancing innovation and strategic collaboration in the field."
In her opening remarks, Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi emphasised the significance of the congress. She said, "Our event holds special significance being held under the distinguished patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. H.H.'s support is a testament to UAE’s commitment to advancing medical research and healthcare in Abu Dhabi on a global scale. The expert discussions and exchange of knowledge we witnessed today exemplifies our commitment to advancing cellular therapy. It has been just a year since our inaugural congress and the groundbreaking developments in CAR-T and stem cell treatments presented today, showcases the remarkable progress we're making in treating complex diseases.
I truly believe future of healthcare lies in the remarkable diversity of stem cells, bringing hope and regeneration to humanity. Stem cells hold the key to personalised medicine, an elixir that can cure diseases, reduce suffering, and even challenge the very boundaries of life itself."
The day's programme demonstrated significant advancements in cellular therapy through a comprehensive series of sessions, covering the challenges in treating myeloid malignancies, groundbreaking developments in CAR-T technology, and innovative applications of stem cells in neurological disorders. The scientific agenda further explored conditioning regimens, emerging treatments for autoimmune diseases through cellular therapy, and the latest research in induced pluripotent stem cells.
The congress's first day demonstrated ADSCC's commitment to fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange in bone marrow transplant, cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. With over 55 speakers from around the world such UAE, Japan, UK, Spain, Germany and others, the congress continues to serve as a crucial platform for advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes.
Day two of the congress will feature additional sessions, including focused discussions on immunotherapy in cancer, groundbreaking work in fertility preservation, and gene therapy in hemoglobinopathies.