Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center Pioneers CAR-T Therapy for Lupus in Mideast

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) has done something amazing by using a special treatment called CAR-T therapy to help a patient with lupus. This is the first time this treatment has been used in the Middle East. Lupus is a disease where the body’s defense system attacks healthy parts, causing pain, swelling, and harm to parts like the skin, joints, heart, and kidneys. Many people suffer from lupus around the world, especially in the Middle East.

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The treatment took five weeks and was done at Yas Clinic, managed by ADSCC. CAR-T therapy changes the patient’s own body cells to help fight the disease. ADSCC is the only place in the UAE allowed to do this treatment. After the therapy, the patient’s health improved a lot. Their blood levels became normal, and their pain and swelling went away. They don’t need strong medicines anymore and can live a normal life.

This success shows how the UAE is leading in health care. Since 2023, ADSCC has been using CAR-T therapy to treat diseases. First, it was used for blood cancer, and now it’s being used for lupus. Professor Yendry Ventura, who leads ADSCC, said this treatment gives hope to people and helps them stay in the UAE for care instead of traveling to other countries.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, another leader at ADSCC, said this big success happened because many experts worked together, including doctors and scientists. She added that this great work makes the UAE known as a leader in health and gives people with lupus a better chance at life.

This treatment is important because some lupus patients don’t get better with normal medicines. It shows that CAR-T therapy can help these patients live better lives without always needing strong drugs.

The UAE is showing that it cares about making the best health care available. This success means more patients can get the help they need without going far from home. This progress gives hope to many people and shows how much the UAE wants to improve health for everyone.