Abu Dhabi, 31 May,2022; Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) has announced plans to commence a Phase I/II clinical study of Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) technology to treat multiple sclerosis.

The new technology provides immunomodulatory effects and has been used in the treatment of advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) skin symptoms.

It has also been used to fight conditions that share some of the characteristics of multiple sclerosis.

The ADSCC will recruit 45 subjects for the clinical trial, which has been designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the ECP technology.

The Research Committee of the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, has already granted approval for the study.

The company stated that the Phase I/II clinical study has the potential to revolutionise global care for patients with debilitating illnesses.

ADSCC general manager and immunology specialist Dr Yendry Ventura said: “The UAE is introducing unique and innovative treatments to the region in this groundbreaking clinical trial.

“Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease with a devastating impact on many patients’ lives in the Middle East and around the world; our world-leading research centre has the chance to advance global biotechnology treatments to the next level.

“Researchers will closely evaluate 45 patients during the one-year trial, and we anticipate providing life-changing remedies for people in the UAE, the Middle East and beyond.”

Founded in March 2019, the company aims to meet the increasing domestic and regional demands for advanced medical services, as well as innovative treatments in the UAE.

Recently, it has succeeded in its first trial to manufacture CAR T-cells locally in a laboratory.

The ADSCC will also begin clinical trials to evaluate the CAR T-cell therapy’s effectiveness and safety for the treatment of hematologic cancers.

Furthermore, the stem cell research hub is working to create treatments for type-1 diabetes.


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