Abu Dhabi-based research institute Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) is set to commence a one-year clinical trial of its new multiple sclerosis treatment, Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP).
The stem cell research hub will begin recruiting 45 patients in a phase 1/2 study to assess the safety and efficacy of ECP, as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.
The scientists and physicians at ADSCC have made all of the necessary preparations. The trial will move forward to the next step, with an aim of establishing immunomodulatory in patients.
ADSCC general manager Dr Yendry Ventura said: “The UAE is introducing unique and innovative treatments to the region in this ground-breaking 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.”
Dr Ventura added: “Getting here is the result of years of tireless work and commitment from our fantastic team at ADSCC, and we are thrilled to be commencing phase 1/2 of the study.
“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.”
Since 1987, Extracorporeal Photopheresis has been used successfully in the palliative treatment of advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) skin symptoms and illnesses that have some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, said the firm.
The trial is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov public database run by the US government, which is an internationally known platform recognised by the World Health Organization.
It also received approval from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s Research Committee to begin this investigation.
The ADSCC was established in March 2019 to meet the UAE’s expanding domestic and regional demand for the latest medical services and therapies.
