Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center Becomes UAE's First Healthcare Institution To Get Global FACT Accreditation

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the FACT accreditation for its comprehensive cellular therapy program, becoming the first healthcare institution in the UAE to earn this prestigious recognition. This accreditation by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) underscores the UAE's evolving reputation as a hub for medical advancements in the region.

ADSCC now stands among 261 centers globally to be accredited by FACT, marking it as the second center in the Middle East to adhere to the stringent standards set by the accrediting body. This places ADSCC at the forefront of advanced cellular therapy, having met the FACT-JACIE International Standards for Hematopoietic Cellular Therapy Product Processing, which upholds the highest quality standards in medical and laboratory practices for hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation and therapies.

Under the leadership of Prof. Yendry Ventura, CEO of ADSCC and Adjunct Professor at UAE University, the center has seen remarkable achievements since its inception in 2018. Notably, the launch of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant (AD-BMT©) program in 2020, marked the UAE's first comprehensive program for both autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) catering to adult and pediatric patients. This program, alongside the development of the first CAR-T Cell Therapy in the UAE, exemplifies ADSCC's commitment to pioneering in the field of cellular therapy.

Prof. Ventura stated, "Under the guidance of the UAE's wise leadership and aligned with the national healthcare agenda, ADSCC aims to lead in cellular therapy globally and bring medical breakthroughs directly to patients. Achieving FACT accreditation is a testament to our commitment to providing the highest quality patient care and cellular therapy services at an international level."

Dr. Phyllis Warkentin, FACT Chief Medical Officer, commended the effort and dedication of Prof. Ventura and his team at ADSCC in achieving the accreditation, highlighting it as a commitment to quality and excellence in cellular therapy product processing.

FACT, established in 1996 through a collaboration between the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy (ISCT) and the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT), is recognized as the leading accreditation body for cellular therapy programs worldwide. The accreditation signifies ADSCC's adherence to rigorous international standards and best practices in cellular therapies, reinforcing its role as a center of excellence, particularly after being recognized by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi in 2023.