Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center Reports Promising Results in PHOMS Clinical Trial for Multiple Sclerosis

Highlighting the efforts of Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) to pioneering analysis and reworking healthcare, a milestone has been achieved in one among its ongoing medical trials, the Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) for Optimal Management of Multiple Sclerosis (PHOMS) examine.

The examine at ADSCC, a PureHealth subsidiary, the biggest healthcare platform within the Middle East, evaluates the security and efficacy of utilizing ECP to deal with individuals with a number of sclerosis (MS). As an immunomodulatory remedy used for some most cancers remedies, graft-versus-host illness (GvHD), and autoimmune illnesses, ECP on this examine seeks to alleviate MS signs by rebalancing the immune system of the affected person.

ADSCC has revealed that one of the success tales throughout the PHOMS trial entails a UAE resident, identified with MS since 2019, who previous to collaborating within the examine skilled debilitating signs corresponding to issue strolling, imbalance, gait disturbance, slurred speech and cognitive impairment. After six months of therapy with ECP, the affected person has reported important enhancements in mobility, decreased imbalance-related points and clearer speech. These enhancements have been persistently noticed throughout his three-month neurological testing.

In 2022, ADSCC’s trial has acquired approval from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH), and since then has enrolled a bunch of individuals identified with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) or Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). The trial can also be registered within the world medical trials registry ClinicalTrials.gov.

Dr. Yendry Ventura, Principal Investigator within the PHOMS examine at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, mentioned: “Clinical trials and research play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare and bringing cutting-edge innovations within the public’s reach. These endeavours drive clinical progress, enhance patient care and bridge the gap between groundbreaking discoveries and real-world healthcare solutions. In line with the vision of the UAE’s leadership and as leaders in clinical research in UAE, our clinical trials and research efforts at ADSCC signify an extraordinary chapter in our medical history and expedite our pursuit of a healthier society and establishing Abu Dhabi as a prominent global destination for healthcare, innovation and research. The clinical outcome of our patients in this clinical trial is a milestone that underscores our dedication to rewriting the narrative of MS treatment in the region.”

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Program (AD-BMT) at Abu DhabI Stem Cells Center, Investigator in PHOMS Study, and Vice Chair of the National MS Society, mentioned: “ADSCC is proud to be at the forefront of innovative research in the field of multiple sclerosis treatment, and through groundbreaking therapies and research, our aim is to improve MS patients’ quality of life. Unveiling the impact of ECP in people with MS is a journey that started a year ago through the PHOMS clinical trial at ADSCC during which our world-class physicians, scientists and dedicated researchers worked together to pioneer cutting-edge therapies for MS patients. In the pursuit of excellence, we recognise that every discovery we make has the potential to change lives today and tomorrow.”

Dr. Yandy Marx Castillo Aleman, Head of Clinical Trials and Sub-Investigator in PHOMS examine at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, mentioned: “PHOMS trial has already made significant strides with our participants. Patients are accepted following specific clinical, laboratory and imaging criteria. Within the framework of the PHOMS study, patients undergo a series of 28 ECP procedures spanning six months, followed by an additional period of six months for monitoring by the ADSCC Neurology team. The promising results we saw with our patients allow us to move forward with the PHOMS study which will be completed in another 12 months.”

Dr. Ruqia Mir, Neurology Consultant and Sub-Investigator in PHOMS examine at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, mentioned: “This innovative procedure used in our study, ECP, involves the treatment of a patient’s autologous leukocytes with a photoactivatable drug, followed by exposure to UVA light and subsequent reinfusion into the patient. ECP has shown promising results in addressing a range of medical conditions, and now with our clinical trial, is offering hope to individuals living with MS. Through the PHOMS study and our commitment to transformative research, we strive to provide additional treatment options for patients facing this challenging condition.”