Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) has hosted an official delegation from Indiana University Health (IU Health), one of the largest and most comprehensive academic healthcare systems in the US.
Senior officials from both entities including Dr Yendry Ventura, CEO of ADSCC, and Dr Fatema Mohammed Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant (AD-BMT) Programme at ADSCC, received the delegation headed by Dr Mohammad Al-Haddad, Chief of Destination Services and Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at IU Health, and Dr Rafat Abonour, Professor of Medicine, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Director of Multiple Myeloma at IU Health, in addition to a group of physicians and researchers from Indiana University Health.
The visit comes as part of a collaboration that was completed back in 2020 upon the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between both entities.
Leveraging IU Health’s in-depth expertise and ADSCC’s infra-structure and capabilities as one of the first centres to offer bone marrow transplantation in the UAE, the collaboration supports ADSCC’s strategic vision and aspiration to advance healthcare in the UAE and the wider region by providing unique services supported by manufacturing capabilities, clinical trials and research.
Since the signing of the MOU, both entities have been collaborating on a range of projects including medical education, trainings, clinical research projects and multiple international publications. IU Health also provided full support and recommendations, along with second-opinion services, during the development and post-launch of ADSCC’s Bone Marrow Transplant Programme.
Dr Ventura said: “Reflecting on the past two years of collaboration between ADSCC and Indiana University Health fills us with great pride at ADSCC. The combined expertise of both organisations has had a significant impact on raising the standards of bone marrow transplantation in the region. Collaborations as such paved the way for us to achieve the status of Center of Excellence in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
“This partnership is the perfect illustration of how we are delivering on our promise to advance healthcare and improve patient outcomes. We are tremendously proud to have established this global partnership not only in research and training, but also clinical care which has been particularly impactful in the areas of stem cell therapy and bone marrow transplantation.”
Dr Al-Haddad said: "ADSCC's level of expertise and infrastructure have positioned them as a key player in advancing research and delivering outstanding care for patients in the Middle East region. Their policies ensure the highest quality of care, and we have observed how they translate their vision into actions that align with international standards. We are honored to collaborate with a team dedicated to excellence, and we have full confidence in their ability to make a positive impact on the lives of their patients.”
Dr Rafat said: “Our partnership will continue to support ADSCC in conducting further clinical research, exploring innovative solutions in bone marrow transplantation, and achieving additional international accreditations. Together, we are fulfilling our commitment to evolving medical education, research, innovation, and clinical care on a global scale.”
