More than 30 international experts from various parts of the world gather at the Dubai Stem Cell Conference.. Thalassemia is a prevalent disease in the UAE, treatable through umbilical cord stem cells… Over 50,000 patients with leukemia and thalassemia have been treated globally with stem cells.
Hussain Al-Mannai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 26, 2024: Under the slogan “Bridge of Hope,” the second edition of the Dubai Stem Cell Conference kicked off today at the Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai. The current edition brings together over 30 experts and specialists in stem cell therapy from Japan, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Qatar, and the UAE. This year’s conference holds exceptional significance with its purposeful message aiming to provide hope for patients with challenging diseases, offering them the prospect of a disease-free life. It also serves as a unique opportunity for scientists and researchers to meet under one roof for the exchange of experiences and trials.
The conference introduces several important initiatives and awards in its current edition, such as the “Humanitarian Award,” a prestigious accolade presented to prominent figures in the medical field specializing in cord blood stem cell transplantation. The “Genius Mind” award recognizes unique initiatives, and the “Academic Excellence” award honors the best student. Additionally, the “Innovative Thinker” award acknowledges the top researcher.
The Humanitarian Award for this year is dedicated to the late Dr. Hal Broxmeyer, whose pioneering contributions revolutionized innovative medicine. Since his groundbreaking idea of stem cell therapy, over 50,000 patients worldwide have been treated with cord blood-derived stem cell therapies. Mrs. Beth Broxmeyer, his wife, received the honorary award on his behalf, representing his continuous impact in the field.
The specialized conference features a dedicated program aiming to highlight modern techniques and treatments in regenerative medicine. Participants enhance the impact of scientific research on the future of healthcare. The conference also launches the “Genius Mind” initiative for unique initiatives that shine a light on the distinguished and inspiring contributions of scientists and researchers in developing the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine in the UAE.
In its second edition, the conference focuses on hosting students to enhance their experiences and skills. Academic communities in the region attend to share the latest studies in regenerative medicine. Distinguished students will receive honors from a prestigious scientific committee comprised of scientists, doctors, and thought leaders from around the world, supporting the development of scientific knowledge in this sector and maintaining its position at the forefront of medical and technological innovation.
The conference aims to elevate the scientific sessions by featuring 30 globally experienced speakers, including 18 from the United States. This diverse team brings new perspectives, ideas, and important experiences in stem cell science. Renowned figures such as Dr. Jack Galipeau, a specialist in internal medicine and blood disease, are part of this team.
Dr. Fatima Al Hashimi, President of the Dubai Stem Cell Conference and Director of the Hormann Stem Cell Laboratory, stated, “The Dubai Stem Cell Conference today brings together over 30 international experts and partners to enhance our relentless ambition to increase scientific awareness and share the latest developments in stem cell technologies and innovative applications. The conference provides a comprehensive vision and a significant opportunity to explore up-to-date information on stem cell research, covering a wide range of topics, including the role of stem cells in treating various diseases, revealing stem cell research, progress in stem cell technologies, and gene therapy. It also explores various strategies to replace or renew human cells, tissues, and organs to restore normal functions. Stem cells derived from sources such as cord blood and bone marrow play a vital role, opening promising prospects for tissue repair and regeneration. Through these sessions, researchers and experts delve into the latest discoveries, techniques, and applications to enhance collaboration and innovation in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.”
Dr. Fatima Al Hashimi also emphasized the importance of community awareness regarding the preservation of stem cells for personal use or donation to others. She highlighted how stem cells contribute to the treatment of various blood-related diseases, cancers, and immune disorders, providing patients with the opportunity for full recovery. During the opening ceremony, success stories of exceptional patients who received successful treatment through cord blood were showcased, emphasizing the importance of cord blood donation for those who choose not to preserve it, enabling a larger number of patients worldwide to have a new chance at life.
Advancing the Frontiers of Regenerative Medicine
During the conference, modern regenerative medicine topics took center stage through significant presentations, highlighting their role in diverse medical fields and providing promising solutions for treating various diseases. The conference addressed challenging diseases such as thalassemia and hereditary Fanconi anemia, leading to non-functional anemia, and blood cancer (leukemia).
The UAE is among the countries witnessing a significant number of thalassemia patients, attributed to factors like cousin marriages. Therefore, stem cell treatment presents a golden opportunity for patients, with some being treatable using stem cells found in the umbilical cord.
Furthermore, the Dubai Stem Cell Conference shares exceptional success stories of patients, such as Matthew Farru, who entered medical history as the first patient to undergo a successful cord blood transplant at the age of five. Other cases of those who suffered from lymphoma, blood cancer, and thalassemia and recovered after receiving stem cell treatment were also highlighted. These success stories have changed their lives, including the inspiring story of Mehra, who successfully recovered using cord blood-derived stem cell therapy.
The conference is organized by INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding, with the support of the Dubai Health Authority. The two-day conference offers 13 accredited scientific points for participants.
