Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre Strengthens UAE-US Collaborations For Advanced Healthcare Innovations

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) has unveiled a strategic plan to forge partnerships with US companies. This initiative aligns with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to the United States. ADSCC aims to enhance research and clinical care through these collaborations.

ADSCC has become a leader in cellular therapy and research in the UAE. It has formed impactful partnerships with US organisations focused on innovation. These collaborations aim to advance treatments for diseases like blood disorders, solid tumors, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and kidney diseases.

A significant collaboration is underway between ADSCC and Precigen, a biotechnology firm specialising in gene and cellular therapies. This partnership will introduce Precigen’s UltraCar-T technology to the UAE. Unlike traditional CAR-T therapies that take weeks to produce, UltraCar-T is ready within 24 hours.

ADSCC is also working with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a global biotechnology company known for innovative treatments for complex diseases. Together, they aim to deliver the first CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapy in the UAE. The first patient is expected to begin treatment later this year.

The second edition of the ADSCC Bone Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy Congress will occur in Abu Dhabi on October 26–27, 2024. Over 12 renowned speakers from the United States will participate. These experts represent healthcare, biotechnology, and academic institutions such as the University of Utah and Boston Children’s Hospital.

In 2024, ADSCC achieved a major milestone by receiving accreditation from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT). This makes ADSCC the first entity in the UAE and second in the Middle East to receive this prestigious global accreditation.

Educational Initiatives and Collaborations

ADSCC announced an agreement with Boston Children's Hospital in 2023. This includes education initiatives for physicians and nurses specialising in bone marrow transplantation. A visiting physician program is also part of this collaboration.

ADSCC maintains strong relations with Indiana University Health. This partnership leverages IU Health's expertise alongside ADSCC’s infrastructure to advance healthcare in the UAE and regionally. It includes medical education support for ADSCC’s Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program – AD-BMT©.

Commitment to Innovation

Prof. Yendry Ventura, CEO of ADSCC, stated that partnerships with top-ranked US healthcare providers are crucial for ADSCC's global mission. "We aim to enhance our research capabilities and speed up cellular therapy development," he said.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Executive Director of AD-BMT© at ADSCC, emphasised their commitment: "ADSCC remains committed to build on its legacy... With our US partners, ADSCC’s aim is to bring on new therapeutic discoveries."

Over the next five years, ADSCC plans several joint clinical trials and collaborative research publications with US-based providers and schools. These strategic partnerships are expected to advance research at ADSCC significantly.

With inputs from WAM