Abu Dhabi Creates Virus-Free Clinical-Grade Stem Cells, a Regional First

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

In a major success for medicine, the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) has created special stem cells called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These cells meet the highest safety and quality rules, called Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). This is the first time this has been done in the Middle East. Scientists at ADSCC made these cells using their own unique methods without using viruses, making the process safer. This achievement makes ADSCC a leader in stem cell research and opens the door to new medical treatments.

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iPSCs are a big discovery in science because they can help treat many diseases. They may help people with brain diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis, as well as conditions like diabetes. ADSCC is already working on projects to use iPSCs to treat these diseases.

These cells are made by changing adult cells, like skin or blood cells, back into cells that act like early-stage cells in the body. These special cells can then turn into any type of cell the body needs. iPSCs can be made from a patient’s own cells, so treatments using them are less likely to be rejected by the body. This also means there is less need for medicines to stop the immune system from attacking the new cells.

Professor Yen dry Ventura, the head of ADSCC, said: “Making our own high-quality iPSCs using our special, virus-free method is a huge step forward for the UAE and the world. This success shows Abu Dhabi is becoming a top place for advanced medical research. These cells can help us make new treatments for very serious diseases. Our team is also planning to share our findings with scientists around the world.”

Most ways of making iPSCs use viruses to change the cells. This can be risky because it might cause unwanted changes or problems like tumors. But ADSCC’s new method doesn’t use viruses, making it much safer. The iPSCs they create are safe to use for treatments, which shows their commitment to safety and care for patients.
Professor Angelo Viscomi, an advisor to ADSCC, explained how these stem cells could help patients.

He said: “We can use iPSCs to create cells that are just right for the patient. For example, we can make brain cells to help people with brain diseases or pancreatic cells to help people with diabetes. These cells can then be placed in the affected area to fix the problem. This new method is safer and more reliable for such treatments.”

This success also means ADSCC can now create these special cells in their own labs in Abu Dhabi. This reduces the need to depend on other countries and gives them full control over the quality of the cells. This is a big step for the UAE in becoming a leader in healthcare and science.

Professor Ventura also said: “This isn’t just about science; it’s about helping people. By making these cells here, we can offer new hope to people who have serious diseases. The possibilities are huge, from helping with brain conditions to finding new ways to treat long-term illnesses. We plan to offer these treatments at our hospital in Abu Dhabi.”

ADSCC is also working with top scientists in other countries. Last December, they started a project with Kyoto University in Japan and a company called Rage Nephron. Together, they are working on a new way to treat diabetes. They are using iPSCs to create cells that act like the ones damaged by diabetes. This could lead to better treatments for type 1 diabetes and help test new medicines for type 2 diabetes. ADSCC has set up a lab in Japan and is doing research in both Japan and Abu Dhabi.

This achievement by ADSCC is a huge step for medicine, both in the UAE and worldwide. By making treatments safer and more focused on patients, they are leading the way in healthcare. This success brings hope to many people and shows that Abu Dhabi is a key player in advanced medical research.