UAE and Israeli firms sign R&D agreement for regenerative medicines

The UAE’s Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel’s Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.

The new agreement is set to pave the way for future collaborations in the field of research and development related to regenerative medicines, including those that can be used to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was signed by Emirati and Israeli representatives from both companies during a ceremony held via a video conference.

Both companies revealed that advancements stemming out of such collaborations will not only benefit the citizens of the UAE and Israel, but everyone worldwide.

"The UAE has always been inclusive in its approach to finding solutions to global challenges, bringing together the many competencies of people from diverse countries," said Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant programme.

"We at ADSCC have followed suit, as is evident in the diversity of expertise among my colleagues and our international partners."
ADSCC has been treating COVID-19 patients with its patented and approved UAECell19 product.

UAECell19 has helped improve patients’ health in half the usual time of standard treatment methods, which subsequently reduced the length of their hospital stay to about a quarter of the average duration.

Both ADSCC and Pluristem have developed innovative products that have proven to be safe and effective in treating coronavirus infections.

Pluristem has reportedly treated patients with its placental PLX-PAD allogeneic product via compassionate use programmes in Israel and the U.S. and is currently conducting phase II studies in both the U.S. and Europe.

"We are extremely proud to partner with our colleagues at ADSCC by sharing knowledge and expertise that will advance healthcare within and across our borders. We see life science and regenerative medicine as a bridge for building peace, prosperity, and well-being in our region and for the entire world,” said Yaki Yanai, CEO and President of Pluristem, stressing on the importance of this collaboration.

“I believe it is our obligation and privilege as business and scientific leaders to lead the way forward to strengthen collaborations, and promote innovation and education. We are honoured to be on the front line of this historical moment."