According to an announcement, on 25 June, by the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre (ADSCC), around 2000 COVID-19 patients have been treated, and 1200 patients have entirely recovered.  

The ADSCC said that the Centre has been able to increase the treatment of patients due to its staff's efforts and the initiatives taken by the UAE government. The UAE government has taken multiple steps to ensure that all COVID-19 patients with moderate to high-risk profiles would be treated free of cost.

The government gave a green signal to the use of stem cell treatment (UAECell19), after the use of this therapy showed impressive results, without any significant adverse effect. During the trial phase of the procedure, patients did not report any severe medical conditions such as allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, or sudden death). Neither its administration showed any lung complications.

Dr. Yendry Ventura and his team at ADSCC announced in May that the Centre had developed a new treatment for COVID-19. The UAECell19 is an autologous stem cell-based therapy that helps the body combat the virus. It also disables the virus to cause much damage to the body.

The trial run also showed that those treated with UAECell19 had reduced hospitalization from 22 to six days. Patients receiving other standard treatments are spending about 22 days in the hospital.

The trial also highlighted that patients are 3.1 times more likely to recover in less than seven days than those treated under usual procedures. About 67% of the patients recovered faster.

As the ADSCC has secured intellectual property rights protection for UAECell19, it can be used countrywide for more patients.

The Centre also announced that teams are at different stages of trials (Phase 3 trial) to analyze the impact of stem cell therapy to treat other respiratory diseases such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.

WAM