UAEU Researcher Dr. Alya A. Arabi Secures Four Patents Advancing Drug Design And Medical Devices

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has announced that Dr. Alya A. Arabi, a computational scientist at the institution, has secured four patents. These patents cover innovations in drug design and medical device development. Dr. Arabi's work showcases her interdisciplinary skills, merging computational science, quantum principles, engineering, and artificial intelligence applications.

Two of the patents focus on pharmaceutical advancements. The first patent introduces a method to classify molecular conformers based on their interaction with proteins in the human body. The second patent complements this by offering a technique for matching different molecular conformers, allowing them to interact similarly with biological proteins.

Dr. Arabi explained, "These methods are innovative advancements in in-silico drug design." She highlighted how these techniques streamline drug discovery processes by reducing dependence on resource-intensive laboratory experiments, thus enhancing research efficiency.

The third patent represents significant progress in orthopedic technology. Developed with Prof. Bassem T. ElHassan from Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard Medical School) and Eng. Ali O. Arabi, this patented device and method allow patients with complete shoulder paralysis to regain full motion range—a previously unattainable outcome in severe cases.

The fourth invention, co-created with Eng. Ali O. Arabi, offers a biomedical solution addressing male infertility due to retrograde ejaculation and urinary incontinence. This dual-functionality device marks a substantial advancement in reproductive and urological healthcare.

Support from UAEU

Dr. Arabi expressed gratitude for UAEU's support throughout the patenting process and views these achievements as stepping stones for future innovation. "My next challenge is to translate these prototypes into market-ready products, maximising their real-world impact," she stated.

Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Chancellor of UAEU, praised Dr. Arabi’s accomplishments: "These patents are a remarkable testament to the spirit of scientific innovation and excellence we foster at UAEU." He noted that Dr. Arabi’s ability to integrate computational science, medicine, and engineering highlights the university’s role as a hub for transformative research.

Nusseibeh added that these achievements not only elevate UAEU’s global reputation but also contribute significantly to global health and well-being. He extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Arabi and her colleagues for their pioneering contributions and for embodying the university’s mission to improve lives through knowledge.

With inputs from WAM