Latest news with #IyaboTinubu-Karch
Qatar Tribune
03-06-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
‘New paediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward expands access to life-saving care for children'
Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: 'The opening of our new paediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward, the first of its kind in the country, marks a major step in expanding access to life-saving care for children in Qatar and the region. As the HSCT program grows, it will play a vital role in reducing the need for outbound referrals and in positioning Qatar as a center of excellence for pediatric cell and gene therapies. This is about building sustainable, high-quality care close to home for our patients and their families.' Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'The launch of the HSCT Ward reflects our commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. It strengthens the foundation of a knowledge-based economy by building national expertise in precision and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Qatar can access the best possible treatment, close to home and grounded in clinical excellence.' Managed by the Hematology and Oncology Division at Sidra Medicine, the new ward is designed exclusively for pediatric patients under the age of 18. It is divided into two main sections—one section for children undergoing HSCT and the other for patients with complex hematology-oncology diagnoses such as cancer, that require intensive chemotherapy and inpatient care. With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the new pediatric HSCT ward integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-level isolation facilities that meet international infection control standards. It is scheduled to receive patients for autologous transplants in late June of 2025 with preparations underway to care for inpatient children who will undergo allogeneic transplants, at a later stage. Dr Ayman Saleh, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sidra Medicine, said: 'Our HSCT program brings together key specialties to deliver advanced and curative care for children with complex conditions. With four autologous procedures successfully completed and plans underway to offer allogeneic transplants in the near future, we are building a strong foundation for pediatric cellular therapy in Qatar. This service is a testament to the pioneering and family-centered care and cure approach that we offer to all our patients.' In addition to treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, the HSCT program at Sidra Medicine is the core part of its precision medicine strategy to facilitate genomic research programs for pediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic and rare diseases. Sidra Medicine's HSCT program is further enhanced by a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-qualified laboratory team operating under the Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC). The ACTC manages the processing and cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells and is currently working toward Sidra Medicine's qualification as a treatment center for Casgevy, a gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Dr Chiara Cugno, Director of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core and GMP Facility at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our GMP-qualified laboratory is a key enabler in delivering safe and effective cellular therapies. By maintaining the highest standards in cell processing and cryopreservation, we are supporting precision treatments for children with cancer, blood, and immunologic disorders. It is an essential part of ensuring every child receives the most personalized care possible.' All HSCT program services will be open to both local and international patients, with more than 50 children currently awaiting transplantation in Qatar. Future phases for the HSCT program include scaling allogeneic transplant capacity and introducing CAR-T cell and gene therapies. The HSCT program includes a multidisciplinary team of specialized physicians, apheresis-trained staff, dedicated HSCT nurses, and allied health professionals. The Sidra Medicine care team also involves experts in immunology, infectious diseases, radiology, psychology, pharmacy, nutrition, child life, and social work. The integrated approach ensures comprehensive and patient-centered care throughout the transplant journey. Before a transplant, every child will go through a detailed evaluation at Sidra Medicine's outpatient clinic to ensure they are ready for the procedure. Once admitted, the children will undergo conditioning chemotherapy to prepare their bodies for the stem cell infusion. They will then be monitored very closely during the aplasia phase, when their immune system is at its weakest. Most patients will stay at the hospital for about 30 to 40 days. Following discharge, they will continue their care through regular follow-ups in an outpatient setting. In addition to medical and nursing care, Sidra Medicine offers support services for patients and families, including social work, clinical nurse specialists, and case management. While formal support groups are under development, ongoing engagement with families is embedded throughout the care process.
Qatar Tribune
03-06-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Sheikha Moza opens HSCT ward at Sidra Medicine
Tribune News Network Doha HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, officially inaugurated the new paediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) ward at Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity. The new ward is dedicated to treating children with blood disorders, immune system diseases, and genetic conditions. During the visit, Sheikha Mozatoured the facility, engaged with clinical teams, and received an overview of the HSCT programme's role in advancing care and stem cell and gene therapies for children in Qatar and the region. Sheikha Moza was accompanied by Minister of Public Health HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, members of Sidra Medicine's Board of Directors and senior leadership, including Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer and Prof Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer. The HSCT ward is a core part of Sidra Medicine's HSCT Programme, using curative therapies to provide life-saving care and treatment for children with a range of blood diseases and cancers. This includes malignant and non-malignant conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. HSCT also known as bone marrow transplant, replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: 'The opening of our new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward, the first of its kind in the country, marks a major step in expanding access to life-saving care for children in Qatar and the region. As the HSCT program grows, it will play a vital role in reducing the need for outbound referrals and in positioning Qatar as a center of excellence for pediatric cell and gene therapies. This is about building sustainable, high-quality care close to home for our patients and their families.' Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'The launch of the HSCT Ward reflects our commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. It strengthens the foundation of a knowledge-based economy by building national expertise in precision and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Qatar can access the best possible treatment, close to home and grounded in clinical excellence.' Managed by the Hematology and Oncology Division at Sidra Medicine, the new ward is designed exclusively for pediatric patients under the age of 18. It is divided into two main sections - one section for children undergoing HSCT and the other for patients with complex hematology-oncology diagnoses such as cancer, that require intensive chemotherapy and inpatient care. With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the new pediatric HSCT ward integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-level isolation facilities that meet international infection control standards. It is scheduled to receive patients for autologous transplants in late June of 2025 with preparations underway to care for inpatient children who will undergo allogeneic transplants, at a later stage. Dr Ayman Saleh, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our HSCT program brings together key specialties to deliver advanced and curative care for children with complex conditions. With four autologous procedures successfully completed and plans underway to offer allogeneic transplants in the near future, we are building a strong foundation for pediatric cellular therapy in Qatar. This service is a testament to the pioneering and family-centered care and cure approach that we offer to all our patients.' In addition to treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, the HSCT program at Sidra Medicine is the core part of its precision medicine strategy to facilitate genomic research programs for pediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic and rare diseases. Sidra Medicine's HSCT program is further enhanced by a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-qualified laboratory team operating under the Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC). The ACTC manages the processing and cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells and is currently working toward Sidra Medicine's qualification as a treatment center for Casgevy, a gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Dr Chiara Cugno, Director of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core and GMP Facility at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our GMP-qualified laboratory is a key enabler in delivering safe and effective cellular therapies. By maintaining the highest standards in cell processing and cryopreservation, we are supporting precision treatments for children with cancer, blood, and immunologic disorders. It is an essential part of ensuring every child receives the most personalized care possible.' All HSCT program services will be open to both local and international patients, with more than 50 children currently awaiting transplantation in Qatar. Future phases for the HSCT program include scaling allogeneic transplant capacity and introducing CAR-T cell and gene therapies. The HSCT program includes a multidisciplinary team of specialized physicians, apheresis-trained staff, dedicated HSCT nurses, and allied health professionals. The Sidra Medicine care team also involves experts in immunology, infectious diseases, radiology, psychology, pharmacy, nutrition, child life, and social work. The integrated approach ensures comprehensive and patient-centered care throughout the transplant journey. Before a transplant, every child will go through a detailed evaluation at Sidra Medicine's outpatient clinic to ensure they are ready for the procedure. Once admitted, the children will undergo conditioning chemotherapy to prepare their bodies for the stem cell infusion. They will then be monitored very closely during the aplasia phase, when their immune system is at its weakest. Most patients will stay at the hospital for about 30 to 40 days. Following discharge, they will continue their care through regular follow-ups in an outpatient setting. In addition to medical and nursing care, Sidra Medicine offers support services for patients and families, including social work, clinical nurse specialists, and case management. While formal support groups are under development, ongoing engagement with families is embedded throughout the care process.
Qatar Tribune
03-06-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Sheikha Moza inaugurates new paediatric HSCT ward at Sidra Medicine
DOHA: Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has officially inaugurated the new paediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) ward at Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity. The new ward is dedicated to treating children with blood disorders, immune system diseases, and genetic conditions. During the visit, Sheikha Moza toured the facility, engaged with clinical teams, and received an overview of the HSCT program's role in advancing care and stem cell and gene therapies for children in Qatar and the region. Her Highness was accompanied by Minister of Public Health HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, members of Sidra Medicine's Board of Directors and senior leadership, including Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer and Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer. The HSCT ward is a core part of Sidra Medicine's HSCT Program, using curative therapies to provide life-saving care and treatment for children with a range of blood diseases and cancers. This includes malignant and non-malignant conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. HSCT also known as bone marrow transplant, replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: "The opening of our new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward, the first of its kind in the country, marks a major step in expanding access to life-saving care for children in Qatar and the region. As the HSCT program grows, it will play a vital role in reducing the need for outbound referrals and in positioning Qatar as a center of excellence for pediatric cell and gene therapies. This is about building sustainable, high-quality care close to home for our patients and their families." Prof Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: "The launch of the HSCT Ward reflects our commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. It strengthens the foundation of a knowledge-based economy by building national expertise in precision and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Qatar can access the best possible treatment, close to home and grounded in clinical excellence." Managed by the Hematology and Oncology Division at Sidra Medicine, the new ward is designed exclusively for pediatric patients under the age of 18. It is divided into two main sections - one section for children undergoing HSCT and the other for patients with complex hematology-oncology diagnoses such as cancer, that require intensive chemotherapy and inpatient care. With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the new pediatric HSCT ward integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-level isolation facilities that meet international infection control standards. It is scheduled to receive patients for autologous transplants in late June of 2025 with preparations underway to care for inpatient children who will undergo allogeneic transplants, at a later stage. Dr Ayman Saleh, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sidra Medicine said: "Our HSCT program brings together key specialties to deliver advanced and curative care for children with complex conditions. With four autologous procedures successfully completed and plans underway to offer allogeneic transplants in the near future, we are building a strong foundation for pediatric cellular therapy in Qatar. This service is a testament to the pioneering and family-centered care and cure approach that we offer to all our patients." In addition to treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, the HSCT program at Sidra Medicine is the core part of its precision medicine strategy to facilitate genomic research programs for pediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic and rare diseases. Sidra Medicine's HSCT program is further enhanced by a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-qualified laboratory team operating under the Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC). The ACTC manages the processing and cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells and is currently working toward Sidra Medicine's qualification as a treatment center for Casgevy, a gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
ILoveQatar.net
03-06-2025
- Business
- ILoveQatar.net
H.H. Sheikha Moza inaugurates Sidra Medicine's new Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, officially inaugurated the new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) ward at Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity. The new ward is dedicated to treating children with blood disorders, immune system diseases, and genetic conditions. During the visit, Her Highness toured the facility, engaged with clinical teams, and received an overview of the HSCT program's role in advancing care and stem cell and gene therapies for children in Qatar and the region. Her Highness was accompanied by His Excellency Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, the Minister of Public Health, members of Sidra Medicine's Board of Directors and senior leadership, including Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer and Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer. The HSCT ward is a core part of Sidra Medicine's HSCT Program, using curative therapies to provide life-saving care and treatment for children with a range of blood diseases and cancers. This includes malignant and non-malignant conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. HSCT also known as bone marrow transplant, replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: 'The opening of our new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward, the first of its kind in the country, marks a major step in expanding access to life-saving care for children in Qatar and the region. As the HSCT program grows, it will play a vital role in reducing the need for outbound referrals and in positioning Qatar as a center of excellence for pediatric cell and gene therapies. This is about building sustainable, high-quality care close to home for our patients and their families.' Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'The launch of the HSCT Ward reflects our commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. It strengthens the foundation of a knowledge-based economy by building national expertise in precision and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Qatar can access the best possible treatment, close to home and grounded in clinical excellence.' Managed by the Hematology and Oncology Division at Sidra Medicine, the new ward is designed exclusively for pediatric patients under the age of 18. It is divided into two main sections - one section for children undergoing HSCT and the other for patients with complex hematology-oncology diagnoses such as cancer, that require intensive chemotherapy and inpatient care. With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the new pediatric HSCT ward integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-level isolation facilities that meet international infection control standards. It is scheduled to receive patients for autologous transplants in late June of 2025 with preparations underway to care for inpatient children who will undergo allogeneic transplants, at a later stage. Dr. Ayman Saleh, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our HSCT program brings together key specialties to deliver advanced and curative care for children with complex conditions. With four autologous procedures successfully completed and plans underway to offer allogeneic transplants in the near future, we are building a strong foundation for pediatric cellular therapy in Qatar. This service is a testament to the pioneering and family-centered care and cure approach that we offer to all our patients.' In addition to treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, the HSCT program at Sidra Medicine is the core part of its precision medicine strategy to facilitate genomic research programs for pediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic and rare diseases. Sidra Medicine's HSCT program is further enhanced by a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-qualified laboratory team operating under the Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC). The ACTC manages the processing and cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells and is currently working toward Sidra Medicine's qualification as a treatment center for Casgevy, a gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Dr. Chiara Cugno, Director of the Advanced Cell Therapy Core and GMP Facility at Sidra Medicine said: 'Our GMP-qualified laboratory is a key enabler in delivering safe and effective cellular therapies. By maintaining the highest standards in cell processing and cryopreservation, we are supporting precision treatments for children with cancer, blood, and immunologic disorders. It is an essential part of ensuring every child receives the most personalized care possible.' All HSCT program services will be open to both local and international patients, with more than 50 children currently awaiting transplantation in Qatar. Future phases for the HSCT program include scaling allogeneic transplant capacity and introducing CAR-T cell and gene therapies. The HSCT program includes a multidisciplinary team of specialized physicians, apheresis-trained staff, dedicated HSCT nurses, and allied health professionals. The Sidra Medicine care team also involves experts in immunology, infectious diseases, radiology, psychology, pharmacy, nutrition, child life, and social work. The integrated approach ensures comprehensive and patient-centered care throughout the transplant journey. Before a transplant, every child will go through a detailed evaluation at Sidra Medicine's outpatient clinic to ensure they are ready for the procedure. Once admitted, the children will undergo conditioning chemotherapy to prepare their bodies for the stem cell infusion. They will then be monitored very closely during the aplasia phase, when their immune system is at its weakest. Most patients will stay at the hospital for about 30 to 40 days. Following discharge, they will continue their care through regular follow-ups in an outpatient setting. In addition to medical and nursing care, Sidra Medicine offers support services for patients and families, including social work, clinical nurse specialists, and case management. While formal support groups are under development, ongoing engagement with families is embedded throughout the care process. For more details about Sidra Medicine's Hematology and Oncology services and its GMP facility, please visit:
Qatar Tribune
13-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Sidra inks research, education, children's health agreement with Great Ormond Street Hospital
Tribune News Network Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH), one of the world's leading paediatric hospitals. The agreement focuses on collaboration across key areas of clinical service, research, and education in children's health. The MoU was signed by Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, chief executive officer of Sidra Medicine, and Matthew Shaw, chief executive officer of GOSH, in the presence of Duncan Hill, the British Deputy Ambassador to Qatar. The partnership outlines a multi-year framework aimed at advancing treatment pathways for rare paediatric diseases, including the development and application of gene therapies. It will also enhance joint capabilities in clinical trial design and implementation, helping to drive progress in personalised paediatric medicine. Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: 'Our MoU with Great Ormond Street Hospital reflects our forward-looking vision to integrate global expertise into localised care models. With GOSH, we are building a knowledge bridge that will enhance clinical practice and drive the next wave of paediatric innovation with measurable impact on patient care.' The alliance will create a coordinated referral system to facilitate timely access to advanced laboratory testing, ensuring specialized care for children with complex conditions, including genetic disorders and rare diseases. This streamlined approach will also improve diagnostic efficiency and support the creation of personalized treatment plans. Matthew Shaw, CEO of GOSH, said: 'What we are building together with Sidra Medicine will strengthen paediatric health systems for the future by leveraging expertise in clinical care, research, data and innovation, and education and training. By combining our expertise, we are not only supporting current clinicians but also laying the foundation for a more connected, resilient, and equitable model of global child health.' Under the agreement, both institutions will roll out education and skills exchange initiatives to support the next generation of healthcare professionals. This includes pathways for physicians, nurses, allied health staff, through international fellowships, observerships, and training programmes. Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, chief medical officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'Sidra Medicine's partnership with GOSH creates valuable opportunities for training, fellowships, and medical education, bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds and specialties. Our joint efforts will foster innovation, strengthen clinical skills as well as our medical education programmes. 'This will help us develop a more knowledgeable and future-ready paediatric healthcare workforce, which will also ultimately improve how we provide paediatric care services.' The MoU with GOSH also aligns with Sidra Medicine's Clinical Trials Programme, which focuses on the development of effective treatments for paediatric rare diseases. Prof. Khalid Fakhro, chief research officer at Sidra Medicine, said: 'Sidra Medicine's unique genetic data on Arab populations, combined with GOSH's advanced secure data environment, world-class clinical and research expertise, creates a powerful opportunity to develop region-specific diagnostic tools and clinical trials. By partnering with GOSH, Sidra Medicine aims to accelerate access to state-of-the-art therapies and expertise necessary to improve outcomes for all our patients.' By aligning clinical pathways, innovation, education, and research and through knowledge and skills exchange, Sidra Medicine and GOSH are laying the foundation for a future where children everywhere have access to more precise, effective, and inclusive healthcare solutions.
