Abu Dhabi based specialist healthcare center Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) has successfully completed the experiment to locally produce CAR T-Cells in a laboratory, a first-of-its-kind accomplishment in the UAE.
According to the statement, the UAE is now one step closer to starting clinical studies to show CAR T-Cell therapy’s safety and efficacy in treating hematologic cancers.
Sharing his insight about the achievement, Dr. Yendry Ventura Carmenate, Specialist in Immunology, General Manager of ADSCC, and Principal Investigator of the CAR T-Cell clinical trial stated that, “During our 12-days experiment, we are happy to report that we have successfully manufactured and expanded autologous CAR T-cells from a healthy volunteer in partnership with Miltenyi Biotec.”
“Most significantly, we have been able to achieve the cells’ expansion with the highest levels of quality control and productivity, attaining a higher-than-average cell count with no contamination. This is a highly encouraging result as it demonstrates that it is possible to efficiently manufacture CAR T-cells that exceed acceptable standards of purity, viability, and cell dosage for clinical application,” Dr. Carmenate remarked.
Researchers at ADSCC used their in-house knowledge and cutting-edge technology to closely monitor, synthesize, and assist the quick yield of functioning CAR T-Cells in this initial experiment. The key goal of the first experiment was to validate the technology and assure standardization, as the domestic research institute prepares to enter the next stage of clinical trials.
“This amazing result was achieved through the effective combination of our leading team of stem cell researchers and technicians at ADSCC and the highly specialized technology and know-how provided by our partners at Miltenyi Biotec. We are entering an exciting phase in our journey to build the UAE’s first CAR T-Cell treatment program and give hope to patients suffering from various hematologic cancers. We look forward to sharing more progress updates as we prepare to enter clinical trials,” commented Dr. Fatema Al Kaabi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program and Co-Principal Investigator of the CAR T-Cell clinical trial.
CAR (Chimeric antigen receptor) T-Cell therapy is a novel and widely accepted type of immunotherapy that works by reprogramming T-Cells, a key component of the body’s anti-tumor response, to go on search-and-destroy missions to destroy cancer. These reprogrammed cells transform into a live medication that travels throughout the body, constantly tapping the immune system to combat disease.
ABU DHABI STEM CELLS CENTRE (ADSCC)
Founded in 2019, Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre’s primary goal is to satisfy the increasing domestic and regional demand for sophisticated medical services and the most innovative treatments.
ADSCC is committed to offer cutting-edge stem cell research in the region while maintaining the highest standards of quality and patient satisfaction at every step of the process, including treatment and follow-up for personnel, patients, and their families.
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