Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) and Burjeel Medical City have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing medical research and patient care in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine. The collaboration will focus on cutting-edge treatments, including stem cell research, to address complex medical conditions such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other chronic diseases.
This partnership is set to leverage the expertise of both institutions, combining ADSCC’s research capabilities with Burjeel’s clinical experience to offer innovative treatments. The initiative is expected to enhance healthcare outcomes in the UAE and foster medical advancements in the region.
ADSCC will expand its Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program (AD-BMT) to Burjeel Medical City (BMC), which is accredited as a Center of Excellence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. ADSCC is the first in the UAE and one of only two centers in the Middle East recognized by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).
Since launching its AD-BMT program in 2020, ADSCC has been a pioneer in bone marrow transplantation, performing the region’s first transplant for autoimmune diseases in 2022 and manufacturing the first CAR-T Cell Therapy in 2023. By 2024, ADSCC completed over 120 bone marrow transplants and 15 CAR-T therapies, conducting various clinical trials with promising results.
The Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI) at BMC leads the Group’s BMT program and has performed 142 pediatric and adult bone marrow transplants, including the UAE’s first pediatric transplant in 2022.
BCI is a key player in integrated cancer care. Together, ADSCC and BMC have robust capabilities in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the treatment of benign hematological disorders in both adults and children, including thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
Treatments Offered
Bone Marrow Transplantation: The collaboration will expand the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program (AD-BMT©) at BMC, providing advanced care for patients with blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, as well as other hematological disorders.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Both institutions will offer hematopoietic stem cell transplants, a critical procedure for patients with conditions like thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and certain genetic disorders.
CAR-T Cell Therapy: ADSCC has pioneered CAR-T Cell Therapy in the region, a cutting-edge treatment that reprograms a patient’s T cells to target and destroy cancer cells, particularly effective for certain types of blood cancers.
Clinical Trials and Research: The partnership will also facilitate ongoing clinical trials to evaluate innovative treatments, including the safety and efficacy of procedures like Extracorporeal Photopheresis for autoimmune diseases, demonstrating a commitment to advancing medical research.
Integrated Care: Burjeel Cancer Institute’s extensive network ensures that patients have access to comprehensive cancer care, including follow-up and supportive therapies that are crucial for recovery.
Mr. John Sunil, Chief Executive Officer of Burjeel Holdings, stated that, “Our vision is to create a comprehensive, world-class bone marrow transplant program that delivers the highest standards of care while also pushing the boundaries of innovation. This partnership is a major step forward in achieving that goal. Together, we are setting new benchmarks in patient outcomes and medical excellence.”
Dr. Fatima Alkaabi, Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program at ADSCC, said that, “This collaboration marks a transformative moment for expanding bone marrow transplant in UAE. By extending the advanced research and clinical capabilities of ADSCC with BMC’s robust infrastructure and expertise, we are not only enhancing the standards of care for our patients but also reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a life sciences hub.”
Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute, commented that, “This partnership represents a crucial advancement in our ability to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge care to patients with complex hematological conditions. By combining the expertise of both institutions, we are creating a seamless continuum of care and driving forward the research and clinical practices that will shape the future of regenerative medicine and hematology in the region.”
Burjeel Medical City (BMC) houses OncoHelix-CoLab, the UAE’s first facility with comprehensive capabilities in molecular and cellular immunology, as well as transplant diagnostics. Through OncoHelix-CoLab, the Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI) enhances its diagnostic capabilities for bone marrow transplants by conducting specialized tests locally. The facility employs advanced technologies, including Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), to ensure precise diagnostics and better patient outcomes.
This strategic collaboration between leaders in the field is anticipated to greatly improve the bone marrow transplant landscape in the UAE and the wider region. It aims to provide hope and advanced treatment options for patients facing complex hematological conditions.
The UAE has made substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure and innovation, positioning itself as a regional leader in advanced medical treatments. This partnership not only aligns with the country’s vision to provide world-class healthcare but also aims to improve patient outcomes and access to cutting-edge therapies locally.
Relating to this, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote Dubai’s position in the global medical tourism market. The MoU was signed by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority.
The initiative fosters healthcare innovation and aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to enhance the city’s reputation as a leading destination for both business and leisure. Dubai ranks in the top five for the quality of its facilities and services, as noted in the Medical Tourism Index. Globally, the UAE’s healthcare system is ranked 33rd among countries, and it is also recognized among the top fifty nations on the Prosperity Index.