UAE Biobank Poised for First Transplant, Urges Families to Donate Cord Blood
Abu Dhabi, UAE - A groundbreaking medical advancement is on the horizon in the United Arab Emirates as Abu Dhabi Biobank prepares to conduct its first stem cell transplant using publicly donated umbilical cord blood later this year.The initiative is coupled with a renewed call for families to donate this valuable resource, which holds potential treatment options for over 80 diseases.
Umbilical cord blood contains vital stem cells that can be used to treat a range of conditions, including blood cancers, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. Currently, these cells are often discarded as clinical waste, but donation offers a life-saving alternative. “It’s the onyl chance you have to collect the stem cells of the baby. Otherwise,they’re lost to clinical waste,” explained a Biobank representative.The collection process, performed instantly after birth while the umbilical cord is being cut, is painless for both mother and child, with families retaining the option to privately bank the cord blood or donate it for wider research and therapeutic use.
The Abu Dhabi Biobank currently stores thousands of cord blood samples in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, ensuring their viability for up to 30 years. Samples are carefully thawed under controlled conditions when needed for transplant. “This is an opportunity to save what would or else be lost,” stated mr. Downey, emphasizing the potential impact of public donation.
Families interested in learning more about cord blood donation can contact Abu Dhabi Biobank for information on eligibility and the donation process. The upcoming transplant, scheduled to occur “as soon as we get the right match,” marks a notable step forward in the UAE’s commitment to advancing regenerative medicine and providing innovative healthcare solutions.
