Abu Dhabi Achieves Milestone With First Stem Cell Trial For Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) has successfully concluded a clinical trial in collaboration with Cellcolabs and Burjeel Holdings. This trial, conducted in Abu Dhabi, focused on StromaForte, a product developed by Swedish biotech company Cellcolabs. The study aimed to assess the safety and therapeutic potential of StromaForte for knee osteoarthritis, marking progress in cell-based therapies for degenerative joint diseases.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), known for reducing inflammation and repairing tissues, were central to this study. These cells naturally occur in the body and help initiate healing by signalling areas of stress or injury. In this trial, MSCs were injected into patients' knee joints from healthy donors aged 18-30. The objective was to confirm safety, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and potentially repair cartilage damage.

The clinical trial was led by Dr. Oussama Chaar and Dr. Veerabahu Muthusamy at Burjeel Medical City and Burjeel Hospital from November 2023 to October 2024. Patients received a single dose of 50 million MSCs through ultrasound-guided injections. The primary endpoint of safety was met, as confirmed by an independent safety monitoring board.

Patients reported significant pain reduction using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and experienced improved quality of life. The treatment was well tolerated without serious adverse events. MRI scans have been conducted to further evaluate the therapy’s efficacy, with detailed findings set to be presented at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week in April 2025.

This clinical research was made possible through strong collaborations with global experts. Cellcolabs, part of Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 global tech ecosystem, worked closely with DoH and Burjeel Medical City to bring this advanced stem cell treatment to UAE patients. Peter Ekstedt, CEO Cellcolabs UAE, stated that the trial marks a major milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey towards becoming a leader in regenerative medicine.

Prof. Khaled Musallam from Burjeel Holdings highlighted the success of the StromaForte trial as an example of Abu Dhabi’s growing biotechnology sector. He noted that continued research could transform osteoarthritis treatment by offering non-surgical options for pain relief and improved mobility.

Commitment to Innovation

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei from DoH emphasised that the successful completion of this trial reflects Abu Dhabi’s robust regulatory oversight and its appeal as a hub for medical research. "The successful completion of this clinical trial is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s robust regulatory oversight and its growing appeal as a hub for cutting-edge medical research," she said.

Abu Dhabi is committed to fostering innovation while ensuring high standards of safety and ethics in healthcare. By prioritising cell and gene therapies along with regenerative medicine, they aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

This initiative reaffirms Abu Dhabi's position as a leader in health innovations and precision medicine's future development.

With inputs from WAM