Abu Dhabi Biobank Launches Affordable Private Cord Blood Banking Services For Families

Abu Dhabi Biobank has introduced a private cord blood banking service, providing families in the UAE with an affordable and local option to store their newborns' stem cells. The demand for treatments using stem cells from umbilical cord blood is increasing, with over 60,000 transplants performed worldwide. However, high costs and limited local storage options have prevented many families from accessing these benefits.

Abu Dhabi Biobank is addressing this issue by offering cord blood banking at half the cost of current market rates. They have partnered with licensed healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi, such as M42’s Danat Al Emarat Women’s and Children Hospital, Corniche Hospital, and Kanad Hospital. This collaboration ensures that families have access to affordable services.

Unlike other services that ship samples abroad, Abu Dhabi Biobank will store cord blood locally in Masdar City. Their facility is equipped with advanced automated technology and a large biobanking infrastructure. This setup allows for secure storage of samples for up to 30 years, ensuring stem cells remain viable for therapeutic use globally.

Cord blood is collected from a newborn's umbilical cord immediately after birth. It contains hematopoietic stem cells that can develop into various blood and immune system cells. These stem cells are crucial in treating over 80 life-threatening diseases prevalent in the UAE, including thalassemia (16.5% prevalence), sickle cell anemia (5.8%), leukemia, lymphoma, bone marrow disorders, immune deficiencies, and genetic conditions.

By making private cord blood banking more accessible and affordable, Abu Dhabi Biobank removes financial and logistical barriers for families. This service provides a secure medical resource for children and potentially other family members. Siblings have a 25% chance of being a perfect match and a 50% chance of being a partial match for transplants.

Paul Downey, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Biobank, stated: "This launch is a strong statement by M42 and Abu Dhabi Biobank to make personalised care affordable, accessible and local. Cord blood stem cells are a powerful defence against disease but are often discarded as medical waste due to barriers."

The introduction of flexible payment plans and advanced biobanking technology enhances the accessibility of these services. Additional benefits include newborn screening and genetic counselling. These efforts represent significant progress toward personalized and preventive healthcare in the region.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about the potential of umbilical cord blood in combating diseases. By collaborating with partners, Abu Dhabi Biobank seeks to educate the public on the importance of preserving these valuable stem cells for future medical needs.

With inputs from WAM