Post by : Badri Ariffin

Abu Dhabi Biobank has revealed its strategic alliance with Japan's Human Life CORD (HLC) aimed at enhancing the development and application of umbilical cord–derived stem cell therapies in Abu Dhabi. This initiative is spearheaded by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and global health leader M42.

The partnership represents a vital move towards expanding access to sophisticated stem cell treatments throughout the UAE and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It further establishes Abu Dhabi as a significant center for healthcare innovation, life sciences, and precision medicine.

This collaboration merges Abu Dhabi Biobank’s superior biobanking capabilities and research facilities with HLC’s proficiency in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) technology and clinical research. Together, both organizations aim to develop tailored regenerative therapies to tackle pressing health issues in the area.

As part of this effort, the Department of Health will persist in supporting research and innovation, while also encouraging public cord blood donation through the biobank. It will supervise operational tasks to maintain high standards.

For the first time in the UAE, the partnership will facilitate local production and clinical pathways for Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell (UC-MSC) therapies. This will lead to the comprehensive development of treatments—ranging from biological sample collection to therapeutic application within clinical environments—entirely within the nation.

Therapies derived from umbilical cords are gaining international recognition for their capability to mitigate inflammation, aid tissue repair, and protect nerve cells. They hold considerable promise in addressing diseases such as diabetes, musculoskeletal issues, and age-related health concerns, where current strategies primarily focus on symptom management.

Dr. Asma AlMannaei from the Department of Health emphasized that this partnership signifies a pivotal shift from foundational cord blood donation toward advanced regenerative medicine. She noted that this initiative would back preventive healthcare efforts and enhance quality of life.

Paul Downey, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Biobank, remarked that this collaboration aligns high-quality biological data with real-world treatment innovation. He expressed that this synergy will facilitate the transition of scientific research into tangible medical interventions.

Masamitsu Harata, CEO of Human Life CORD, asserted that the firm is confident that stem cell therapies can revolutionize chronic disease treatment. He mentioned that partnering with Abu Dhabi Biobank will advance the accessibility of these therapies to patients by leveraging regional health data and local manufacturing.

Human Life CORD is already at the forefront of stem cell therapy development in Japan, having several treatments in advanced clinical phases.

This partnership is part of Abu Dhabi's broader ambition to elevate medical research and innovation and to fortify scientific collaboration between the UAE and Japan.

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