Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center succeeds in providing the first treatment for the immunological disease lupus

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center succeeded, for the first time in the Middle East, in conducting a smart and innovative treatment using genetically modified immune cells (CAR-T) for a patient suffering from lupus, which represents an advance in innovative treatments for immune diseases.

This new medical procedure is an important turning point in the field of cell therapies in the Middle East region, giving hope to patients with lupus, which is a chronic and long-term autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue, resulting in inflammation and pain, and affects the skin.

And the joints and major organs in the body, such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and skin, in addition to disturbances in the blood cell count, joint pain, and difficulty breathing, and negatively affects the quality of life of patients. Its global prevalence rate reaches 43.7 per 100,000 people, and it is considered remarkably common in

Middle East region. The patient’s treatment took five weeks at Yas Clinic Hospital, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center, which is the accredited center of excellence in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Abu Dhabi and the only center internationally accredited by the Foundation for Accreditation of Cell Therapies – FACT.

About his comprehensive program of cell therapies, which represents a breakthrough in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Clinical trials showed that patients with lupus resistant to conventional treatments made a complete recovery, had no symptoms for years and did not require additional medications. And after three
Months after the patient was treated with CAR-T, her platelet and hemoglobin levels became stable, and her disease symptoms significantly decreased.

Pioneering innovative treatment

Professor Yendry Ventura, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center and principal investigator of the center’s genetically modified immune cells research project, said: “Since 2023, the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center has pioneered innovative treatment using genetically modified immune cells in the Middle East.

It now includes its use in complex autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, after it was limited to blood cancers. Our success in treating lupus here in Abu Dhabi represents a major achievement made possible by our commitment to medical research and clinical trials and their transfer to patient care. Under the guidance of the wise leadership in

In the UAE, we are working to develop innovative treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases, including the use of genetically modified immune cells, which provides unprecedented care for complex and chronic conditions that change the lives of patients, reduces the need to travel abroad for treatment, and gives hope to patients throughout the region.” .

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Bone Marrow Transplantation Program at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center, said: “This qualitative achievement in treatment using genetically modified immune cells provides renewed hope for lupus patients. The Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center has always been at the forefront of everything new and advanced.”

In the medical field and regenerative medicine, it underscores our commitment to advancing precision personalized medicine through transformative treatments that improve patients’ health and well-being. The launch of this advanced technology enhances the UAE’s position as a leader in medical innovation and scientific research, and reflects the tireless efforts

And the high expertise of our team of rheumatologists, bone marrow transplant experts, and scientists specializing in cell therapies. We are very proud that the patient has returned to her normal life again and has stopped taking immunosuppressive medications.”

Despite advances in medication, 10% of lupus patients still suffer from active attacks that lead to severe organ damage and life-threatening complications. Several clinical trials using CAR-T therapy for lupus patients have shown significant improvements in clinical outcomes
And laboratory tests, with low antibody levels, and no seizures or need for immunosuppressive drugs after treatment. This indicates recovery without the need for medications and improved quality of life.