ADSCC develops first GMP-compliant clinical-grade induced pluripotent stem cells in the Middle East

UAE—The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) has made an innovative achievement by successfully developing clinical-grade induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

This achievement, the first of its kind in the Middle East, positions ADSCC as a leader in stem cell research, setting a global benchmark for safety and innovation in precision medicine.

The iPSCs, developed in ADSCC’s research laboratories using virus-free, in-house protocols, have the potential for a wide range of therapeutic applications.

These include the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis, as well as diabetes.

The center is currently running several research projects aimed at utilizing iPSCs for these treatments.

Unlike traditional methods that use viruses to reprogram cells, ADSCC’s protocol avoids genetic modification, significantly reducing risks such as tumor formation.

 This virus-free approach makes the iPSCs suitable for clinical use, adhering to the highest clinical standards and ensuring safer therapeutic outcomes.

Professor Yendry Ventura, CEO of ADSCC, hailed this achievement as a major step forward for both the UAE and the global medical community.

 He emphasized that developing clinical-grade iPSCs not only strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for cutting-edge medical research but also opens the door to personalized, life-changing therapies.

This development highlights ADSCC’s dedication to providing safe, innovative solutions for patients worldwide.

Further emphasizing the potential of iPSCs, Professor Angelo Vescovi of the Link Campus University of Rome explained that these stem cells can be reprogrammed from a patient’s own cells, leading to personalized therapies that minimize the risk of immune rejection.

iPSCs can differentiate into various cell types, such as neural stem cells for treating neurodegenerative diseases, or pancreatic cells for diabetes.

In addition to advancing regenerative medicine locally, ADSCC has made significant strides in building an exclusive in-house protocol for iPSC development, ensuring greater control over quality and availability.

This achievement also aligns with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in healthcare innovation.

As part of its ongoing efforts in iPSC research, ADSCC has entered a collaboration with Kyoto University and the Japanese biotech company Rege Nephro.

The goal is to develop a groundbreaking treatment for diabetes using iPSCs derived from human pancreatic beta cells.

This collaboration strengthens ADSCC’s position as a key player in the field of regenerative medicine and offers exciting possibilities for future treatments.

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