Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center in the UAE
UAE Develops Immunotherapy for Multiple Sclerosis
The Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center in the UAE has achieved a significant medical breakthrough by developing an advanced immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis in the Middle East. Based on the Thirox phototherapy platform, the treatment has been approved by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, marking a pioneering step that solidifies the UAE's position in medical innovation.
For the first time globally, the first clinical trials applying extracorporeal photodynamic therapy (EPT) to multiple sclerosis patients have been successfully completed.
This opens the door to an innovative treatment option for this complex neurological disease, in which the immune system attacks the nervous system, causing difficulties with movement, balance, and speech. This makes EPT a new beacon of hope, especially for patients for whom traditional treatments no longer provide the desired response.
EPT is traditionally used to treat graft-versus-host disease and T-cell skin cancer. However, the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center has expanded its application to include neuroimmune disorders.
The technique involves extracting white blood cells from the patient, photoactivating them outside the body, and then reintroducing them to restore balance to the immune system. This may help slow disease progression and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Professor Yendry Ventura, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center and principal investigator of the study, stated that the integrated efforts of various partners within Abu Dhabi's healthcare system, most notably the Department of Health and the Multiple Sclerosis Society, were fundamental to the success of this pivotal study, which solidifies the UAE's position as a leading regional power in stem cell therapy and advanced therapies.
He explained that the results, which will be published soon, could pave the way for the adoption of a new treatment option for multiple sclerosis patients worldwide, emphasizing the center's pride in having these innovations launched from Abu Dhabi to the world.
He added that every research step the team takes brings them closer to sound scientific solutions for autoimmune neurological diseases, noting that the PHOMS study results and their strategic partnership with Therox reflect the UAE's commitment to accelerating scientific research and developing treatments that have a real impact on patients' lives.
For her part, Sandra Thompson, Co-CEO of Therakos LLC, said that the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center’s experience and commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centered research represent a leading model for fruitful scientific collaboration, stressing the company’s aspiration to strengthen the joint partnership to achieve tangible progress that serves the multiple sclerosis patient community in the UAE.
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