ADSCC And ERC Partnership Aims To Enhance Bone Marrow Transplant Accessibility
The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) has recently announced a significant partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) to improve access to bone marrow transplants (BMT) for patients in dire need. This collaboration is set to enhance the treatment and support provided through the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme (ADBMT), focusing on individuals suffering from blood cancers, blood disorders, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Under this new agreement, ADSCC will offer medical consultations to patients referred by ERC's medical committee. Additionally, both organizations will collaborate on fundraising efforts to support and finance BMT procedures for underprivileged patients. This initiative is a testament to the commitment of both entities to provide high-standard care and support throughout the treatment process.
The partnership was formalized through an agreement signed by Mohammed Al Fahim, Deputy Secretary-General of Support Services Sector at ERC, and Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer of ADSCC. Al Fahim highlighted the partnership as a reflection of the UAE Red Crescent's vision to enhance humanitarian partnerships across various sectors, especially healthcare, which is a current priority.
Dr. Maysoon Al Karam emphasized the importance of making state-of-the-art treatments accessible locally, thus eliminating the need for patients to seek medical care abroad. This approach not only benefits patients and their families by providing convenience but also significantly reduces healthcare expenditures within the nation.
Since its launch in 2020, ADSCC's ADBMT Programme has been at the forefront of cellular therapy advancements, particularly in bone marrow transplantation. It stands as the UAE's first comprehensive programme offering both autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) for adults and children. The programme has achieved several milestones, including conducting the Middle East's first BMT for a multiple sclerosis patient in 2022 and performing a groundbreaking BMT for a newborn with Krabbe disease in 2023.
Furthermore, ADSCC has made significant strides in treating thalassemia through BMT and has manufactured the UAE’s first CAR-T cells to treat an 11-year-old boy with leukemia. These engineered CAR-T cell therapies represent a significant advancement in blood cancer treatment, showcasing ADSCC's commitment to pioneering medical breakthroughs.
This collaboration between ADSCC and ERC is a prime example of how strategic partnerships can enhance healthcare access and outcomes for patients. It underscores a shared goal between both organizations to alleviate patient suffering and provide comprehensive support throughout their treatment journey.
With inputs from WAM
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