The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre manufactures the UAE’s first supercharged immune Car-T cells to fight cancer

A young leukemia patient has been injected with the UAE's first Car-T cells or supercharged genetically modified cells to fight cancer.

Murad, 11, was diagnosed with leukemia more than five years ago and had been in remission, but the disease returned six months ago.

Chemotherapy didn't work, so doctors recommended the revolutionary Car-T cell therapy as his only option.

The child received this therapy at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, which has successfully manufactured the country's first Car-T cells.

It involves helping the patient's immune system to target and fight the cancer and is designed for patients whose cancer has returned.

During the procedure, doctors remove a type of immune system cell called the T-cell from the patient's blood. These cells are then genetically modified, strengthened in the laboratory, and injected back intravenously into the patient, where the cells continue to multiply.

The treatment took five weeks, during which Murad was admitted to the centre.

Murad is now in good health and back home with his family.

"We were devastated when Murad was diagnosed again with leukemia after almost five years of remission," said Majid, Murad's father. "We are truly lucky that this very advanced breakthrough became available at this time when Murad needed it."

Dr Yendry Ventura, chief executive of ADSCC, said there was a pressing need to make Car-T cells available in the UAE.

"Our success in creating Car-T therapy right here in Abu Dhabi marks a momentous leap in our commitment to making a profound impact on a regional level," he said. "This achievement not only brings hope to countless patients but also strengthens our position as pioneers in cutting-edge medical innovation, right here in the heart of the UAE."

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre aims to revolutionize cancer treatment by using cell therapy so genetically modified immune cells can be used to target tumors in patients with specific blood cancer.

The centre is a Pure Health subsidiary, and the procedure involved the manufacture of the Car-T at ADSCC's Good Manufacturing Practices laboratories.