Today's Edition
HUDA AL TENEIJI (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center has announced the inauguration of an integrated hospital specialising in innovative and precise treatments across various medical fields and regenerative medicine. Situated in Khalifa City, the advanced research centre boasts 85 beds, state-of-the-art operating rooms, and an intensive care unit catering to both adults and children. The facility employs over 650 staff members, including a distinguished group of doctors dedicated to applying innovative treatments and conducting advanced research.
Among the centre’s top specialities are haematology, bone marrow transplantation, neurology, orthopaedic surgery, cardiology, diabetes, general surgery, ophthalmology, rheumatology, and various other subspecialties.
Professor Yendry Ventura, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center and a professor at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), stated: “The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center was launched in 2019, in line with the national agenda and the wise leadership's priorities to establish the country's first stem cell research centre. The centre focuses on advanced care, conducting groundbreaking clinical trials, regenerative medicine, laboratory manufacturing of stem cells, and patient care, to achieve Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a leading destination for advanced healthcare. The centre has gained recognition for its research laboratories, stem cell processing lab, state-of-the-art immune phototherapy unit, blood component separation unit, stem cell collection unit, advanced lab for good manufacturing practices, and comprehensive hospital. Through the integration of these facilities, we provide the country with life-saving advanced treatments, including bone marrow transplantation, revolutionary stem cell therapies, and regenerative medicine.”
He emphasised that education and research are among the most crucial foundations for preparing a generation of doctors, nurses, and scientists trained in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. He noted that the centre’s team of doctors and scientists includes experts from some of the world's renowned research institutions, totalling more than 60 researchers, scientists, and technicians, who conduct clinical studies and scientific research to advance knowledge in these fields.
He mentioned that the "Signal" application has been launched in the hospital, which relies on pharmacogenomics. It allows doctors to prescribe medications safely for the patient, taking into consideration hundreds of patient-specific factors. This helps eliminate any potentially harmful drug effects, setting a new standard for patient safety and providing comprehensive, evidence-based precision medicine.
He stated: "Over 600 patients received regenerative medicine treatments at the centre in 2023, and the centre published 100 articles in international journals, and gained six intellectual property rights. This includes the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme and the innovative revolutionary treatment for COVID-19 patients, UAECell19."
Professor Ventura added, "Stem cells are used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation procedures, which is the approved treatment for blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, as well as several genetic diseases like thalassemia and other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In the field of regenerative medicine, we utilise stem cell therapy across various medical specialities, including bone-related issues and conditions, men's health, women's health, and more."
"We can utilise stem cell therapy to rejuvenate joints and repair cartilage by directly injecting stem cells into the joints. This stimulates the growth of new cartilage, leading to pain relief. Our orthopaedic surgeons use stem cells during surgeries, resulting in improved outcomes,” he explained.
“Currently, we are conducting studies in collaboration with Kyoto University and Rege Nephro in Japan to pioneer innovative treatments for diabetes using genetically modified blood and skin cells. We are also participating in a global study to develop stem cell-based therapies for multiple sclerosis."
He pointed out that the establishment of the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) laboratory at the centre has enabled them to conduct advanced stem cell therapies, such as genetically modified immune cells known as CAR-T cells and stem cells derived from fat tissues, among others.
“Additionally, two clinical trials have been launched using immune phototherapy: the first in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and the second in the treatment of type 1 diabetes,” he said noting that there are ongoing preparations and studies for further trials in various other specialities.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, the Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center and the Director of the Emirates Drug Establishment, stated: "Thanks to the insightful vision of our wise leadership and the unlimited support, we established the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme, the first of its kind in the country, to perform bone marrow transplants from the patient or a donor for both adults and children in 2020. We also started conducting stem cell transplant procedures for multiple sclerosis patients for the first time in the Middle East, with the first case in November 2022. We observed significant progress in the patient's condition post-surgery, where they were able to walk again. The centre was recognised as the first centre of excellence in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by the Abu Dhabi Health Department in 2023."
She highlighted that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre developed an innovative treatment using stem cells from the patient's blood, which involves inhaling a spray saturated with stem cells (UAECell19). This treatment received a patent from the International Center for Patent Registration affiliated with the UAE Ministry of Economy. Three scientific publications, protected by copyright, were issued regarding cell acquisition procedures and treatment recommendations by the European INTEROCO Copyright Office. While this treatment has shown effectiveness on the respiratory system of patients in clinical trials suffering from COVID-19, it is also being studied for the treatment of other respiratory diseases.
"Our researchers are currently conducting a study to develop a treatment for type 1 diabetes using immune phototherapy. Additionally, other studies are exploring the treatment of the disease by replacing damaged pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production, using stem cells to regenerate insulin-producing cells to control blood sugar levels."
She noted that advancements in stem cell therapies have the potential to revolutionise healthcare by addressing a wide range of diseases. For example, regenerative medicine offers promising solutions for organ and tissue degeneration associated with ageing, diseases, or injuries. This field provides innovative approaches for chronic conditions that cannot be treated through traditional methods, such as bone and nerve disorders, among others.
She further added, "Another field in the use of stem cells is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, primarily used in the treatment of blood diseases and cancers such as leukaemia and myeloma. However, the application of these treatments extends to broader areas, including autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis and lupus. Engineered immune cell therapy also plays a significant role in treating these disorders, and the treatment can be expanded to target solid tumours by programming cells, such as extracting, multiplying, and reinfusing infiltrating lymphocytes (a type of cell capable of eliminating a specific type of cancer) and genetically modified immune cells, allowing us to address tumours effectively."
