Abu Dhabi successfully completes first groundbreaking stem cell trial for knee osteoarthritis
Developed by Swedish biotech company Cellcolabs, StromaForte has shown a favourable safety profile and significant therapeutic potential for knee osteoarthritis, marking a significant step in evaluating cell-based therapies for degenerative joint diseases.
The study evaluated the regenerative properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), a type of stem cell known for its ability to reduce inflammation and repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Found naturally in the body, MSCs function as biological mediators by detecting areas of stress or injury and signalling the body to initiate its own healing process, rather than simply replacing damaged cells.
In this clinical trial, patients received MSC injections derived from carefully screened healthy donors aged 18-30, directly into their affected knee joints. The goal was to confirm safety, ease pain, reduce inflammation and potentially repair cartilage damage, offering a potential alternative to surgery for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
The clinical trial was led by Dr. Oussama Chaar, consultant Orthopedic Surgeon and Dr. Veerabahu Muthusamy, specialist Orthopedic Surgeon, and conducted at Burjeel Medical City and Burjeel Hospital from November 2023 to October 2024, where patients received a single dose of 50 million MSCs via ultrasound-guided injections. The results of the first phase (Phase I/II) of the trial have been encouraging, meeting its primary endpoint of safety confirmed by an independent safety monitoring board.
Patients reported a significant reduction in pain levels, as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and an overall improvement in their quality of life, enabling them to move more comfortably and engage in daily activities with greater ease. Importantly, the treatment was well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported.
To further evaluate the therapy's efficacy, provide deeper insights into the therapy's impact, MRI scans have been conducted with detailed findings set to be presented at Abu Dhabi Global Health Week in April 2025.
'The successful completion of this clinical trial is a testament to Abu Dhabi's robust regulatory oversight and its growing appeal as a hub for cutting-edge medical research. At the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, we are committed to fostering a dynamic ecosystem that accelerates innovation while ensuring the highest standards of safety and ethics," Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health — Abu Dhabi, said.
"By prioritising cell and gene therapies and regenerative medicine, we are paving the way for transformative treatments that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. These efforts reaffirm Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in pioneering health innovations and shaping the future of precision medicine," she added.
The clinical research was made possible through strong collaborations with global experts Cellcolabs, a member of Abu Dhabi's Hub71 global tech ecosystem, worked closely with DoH and Burjeel Medical City to bring this advanced stem cell treatment to patients in the UAE.
Peter Ekstedt, CEO Cellcolabs UAE, commented, 'This clinical trial is a major milestone in Abu Dhabi's journey to becoming a global leader in regenerative medicine. At Cellcolabs, we are proud to contribute with our expertise in stem cells, to bring innovative, evidence-based solutions to patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. By combining DOH's commitment to healthcare innovation with our advanced stem cell technology and know-how, we are paving the way for safer, more effective, and non-surgical treatments that can change the lives of thousands of patients suffering from OA in UAE.'
Prof. Khaled Musallam, Group Chief Research Officer at Burjeel Holdings, added, 'The success of the StromaForte trial is an exemplary showcase of Abu Dhabi's growing biotechnology sector. With continued research and development, stem cell therapy could transform osteoarthritis treatment, offering patients a non-surgical option for pain relief and improved mobility.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tahawul Tech
15 hours ago
- Tahawul Tech
Artificial Intelligence set to revolutionise healthcare's future, says Dr. Azad Moopen
Dubai — From an inundation in real-time data and its analysis, to a quantum leap in diagnosis and precision-guided solutions, Artificial Intelligence in health care is poised to be a complete game changer in the sector. The changes are there for everyone to see. In 2025 alone, global artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare market was valued at $39.25 billion, and it's expected to grow to $504.17 billion by 2032. That figure is more than a bullish forecast; it's a signpost pointing to the radical reimagining of healthcare as we know it. Across hospitals, clinics, and health tech labs from Abu Dhabi to Zimbabwe, AI is not just making inroads; it's redrawing the entire map of medicine. In the UAE, a nation committed to becoming a global leader in digital health, this revolution is being embraced with extraordinary speed. From robotic surgeries to AI-driven health records and predictive analytics, to the future of medicine, AI is here to stay. And it's making intelligent decisions that can make a difference between life and death. Especially around precision diagnosis. Reducing the margin of error A misdiagnosis can be fatal. Yet, diagnostic errors affect an estimated 12 million adults annually in the United States. That's where AI promises a quantum leap. Machine learning algorithms, fed on vast datasets of medical imaging, lab results, and patient histories, can detect abnormalities at a precision level humans simply cannot match. For example, Google Health's AI system has demonstrated greater accuracy than human radiologists in spotting breast cancer in mammograms. A landmark study published in Nature found that Google's deep learning AI reduced both false positives and false negatives compared to radiologists in both US and UK datasets. Meanwhile, DeepMind's AlphaFold, an AI system developed by the Google subsidiary, has cracked the protein folding problem, a breakthrough that could accelerate drug discovery and disease understanding exponentially. In the UAE, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has launched Malaffi, the region's first Health Information Exchange, aiming to use AI to centralise and analyse patient data across providers. The ability to use this data to predict, rather than merely treat, illnesses could shift healthcare from a reactive to a preventive model. Diagnoses and resolution AI doesn't just diagnose; it also prescribes. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are now guiding doctors through labyrinths of data to arrive at the best course of treatment, not just generally, but for specific individuals. IBM Watson for Oncology, trained by oncologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, has been assisting physicians globally by recommending personalised cancer treatments based on clinical evidence. 'In the UAE, AI is already augmenting healthcare through robot-assisted surgeries at hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Aster, Medcare, and Mediclinic. These systems offer precision, reducing recovery times and surgical risks.' Opening channels of accessibility to expertise But the real power lies in the democratisation of this expertise. Through cloud-based platforms and mobile apps, AI-driven diagnostics and treatment recommendations could soon be available even in remote regions of the world, addressing longstanding inequities in access to care. Imagine knowing you are likely to develop a certain disease, not from vague probabilities but with high certainty, years before any symptoms appear. That's not science fiction; that's predictive analytics – something AI can do with great precision. AI systems now analyse through reams of patient data, genomic information, and real-time wearable sensor data to identify at-risk individuals. For instance, Mount Sinai's AI research has produced significant advances, particularly in coronary artery disease prediction using electronic health records (EHRs) In the Gulf, where lifestyle-related diseases like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues are prevalent, such tools are not only welcome they are necessary. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is already piloting AI-based prediction models for chronic conditions, and wearable integration with digital health platforms is underway. The fusion of wearables with AI is particularly transformative. A UAE-based healthcare entity recently partnered with global tech players to pilot remote monitoring systems, allowing doctors to track patients' vitals in real time and intervene early turning reactive care into proactive protection. If the trends are any indication, the future hospital will not only treat patients better but run smarter. AI-powered logistics, staffing algorithms, and patient-flow management systems are already optimising operations, reducing wait times, and improving outcomes. In SEHA's flagship Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, AI is being used to streamline triage and improve emergency room response times. Globally, institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital in the U.S. are using predictive models to anticipate ICU demands, freeing up resources in advance and preventing crises. These smart hospitals are not just defined by flashy tech but by a philosophy: data-driven care that is seamless, efficient, and human-centric. Ethical Guardrails The AI-in-healthcare narrative isn't without its ethical dilemmas. Questions of data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accountability loom large. But that's where governance and regulation step in. In the UAE, the National Strategy for AI 2031 includes strong frameworks for ethical AI use, ensuring transparency, data protection, and oversight. Importantly, AI is not about replacing doctors but about enhancing their capacity. It frees clinicians from paperwork and routine diagnostics so they can focus on what machines can't replicate: compassion, creativity, and critical thinking. The question is not whether AI will change healthcare, but how boldly and responsibly we will embrace that change. This opinion piece is authored by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare.
Khaleej Times
17 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi: Life-changing surgery helps mother see her children clearly again
For years, Ellyzabeth Bella Lukitasari was told there was no treatment for her worsening vision beyond medication and eye drops. She couldn't see more than three metres ahead. But after moving to the UAE three years ago, a comprehensive assessment at Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi revealed how advanced her condition had become, and she was put on a treatment plan. Now, the 34-year-old Indonesian mother of two can see her children's faces clearly again. 'When the bandages came off, the first thing I saw clearly was my daughter's smile. It felt like a second life,' said Ellyzabeth. 'The Moorfields team treated me with such care and gave me back my confidence, and for that I am extremely grateful." Her journey to restored vision began with a fresh assessment by Dr Usman Mahmood, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 network. While Ellyzabeth had been previously diagnosed with glaucoma in Indonesia, the examination in Abu Dhabi revealed more complex issues, including dense cataracts in both eyes and strabismus, or squint, that caused eye misalignment and further blurred her vision. 'The cataracts stemmed from chronic uveitis, affecting the back of the eye,' said Dr Mahmood. 'We needed to remove them under steroid control before we could correct her alignment. It demanded close collaboration across our sub-specialities.' Ellyzabeth underwent a carefully staged surgical plan, beginning with cataract removal in both eyes — left first, then right. 'Comprehensive testing is vital in complex cases like Ellyzabeth's,' Dr Mahmood explained. 'Addressing the cataracts first allowed us to accurately measure her squint and plan the second procedure, ultimately giving her the best possible outcome. I'm pleased to see that her vision improved significantly, along with her quality of life, and she seems very happy.' She was then referred to Dr Irfan Khan, Consultant Ophthalmologist, who performed strabismus correction surgery to realign her eyes and restore binocular vision. 'There is a common misconception that squint surgery cannot be performed in eyes which have poor vision - that's a myth,' said Dr Khan. 'If the surgery is performed properly and is successful, patients can maintain good ocular alignment for the rest of their lives. I'm so pleased with the outcome we were able to deliver for Ellyzabeth.' According to specialists, if left untreated, her vision would have continued to deteriorate, possibly to the point where she would no longer be able to read, care for her children, or safely navigate her environment. 'She couldn't see more than three metres ahead,' recalled Ellyzabeth's husband, Mochamad Soleh Wicaksono. 'While our doctor in Indonesia found glaucoma, they couldn't take any action because the nerve was too thin.' He described the treatment and procedures performed at Moorfields as a 'miracle' for his wife's sight. 'She used to know people by the sound of their voice - now she can see everyone, and that has changed our lives.'
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Zawya
‘Ovasave' raises $1.2mln pre-seed round to advance women's healthcare
ABU DHABI - Ovasave, a Hub71 FemTech startup focused on fertility and hormonal health, has successfully completed its pre-seed round, raising $1.2 million from a mix of regional and international investors. The round was led by PlusVC, Annex Investments, and New York-based 25 Madison, with additional backing from the UAE and Saudi-based strategic angel investors and prominent family offices. The $1.2 million capital raised will be used to support regional expansion across the GCC, scale corporate partnerships, and launch the next phase of Ovasave's mobile app, which will include menstrual cycle tracking, symptom monitoring, access to care, and AI-driven treatment protocols. The raise comes as the UAE accelerates national reforms in healthcare and women's rights, offering a timely window for FemTech innovation. Ovasave is registered with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and supported by Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, Hub71, further aligning it with the nation's broader digital and preventive health strategies. Majd Abu Zant, Co-founder of Ovasave, said, 'Abu Dhabi's focus on innovation, healthcare, and entrepreneurship has created a competitive environment for founders and investors alike. As an Abu Dhabi-based startup supported by Hub71, Ovasave has benefited from a strong regulatory framework, access to capital, and proximity to regional decision-makers. It's the right environment to build and scale high-impact ventures, and from here, we are expanding into Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.' Torkia Mahloul, Co-founder and CEO of Ovasave, said, "There is a critical need for timely intervention in women's health, particularly around fertility and hormonal health. This funding marks a crucial step in our mission to disrupt women's health and expand access to fertility and hormonal care across the region.' Built with a clear purpose, Ovasave is shifting women's care from reactive to proactive. Its solutions are designed to reduce costs, improve outcomes, and make it easier for women to access support in an area that has long been considered taboo and under-discussed. Ovasave's fundraising comes amid growing investor interest in women's health and fertility innovation across the MENA region. With a $1.2 million pre-seed round now closed, Ovasave is expanding operations to Saudi Arabia this summer, with broader regional growth across MENA being part of their three-year expansion strategy. A recent report by FemTech Analytics (FTA) revealed that the FemTech market in the MENA region is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 15 percent during the forecast period from 2021 to 2031.
