BAHRAIN has emerged as the first country in the region to host a centre for regenerative medicine, dubbed by scientists around the world as the ‘future medicine’.
The advanced stem cell centre at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) – set to open in two weeks – will bring home high-end and effective treatment for diabetes, cancer and heart ailments, among others.
The facility at AGU’s Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Medical City in collaboration with international universities in Japan and Europe will also train scholars in regenerative medicine.
Regenerative medicine is the branch of science that develops methods to regrow, repair or replace damaged or diseased cells, organs or tissues. It involves the generation and use of therapeutic stem cells, tissue engineering and production of artificial organs.
According to AGU Regenerative Medicine programme associate professor Dr Safouq Al Shammari, the Bahrain centre will keep pace with advancements in the field, which foresees many regenerative and stem cell medications getting approved globally.
“Regenerative medicine is the future because it promises effective cure for diseases that are difficult to treat through traditional medicine,” Dr Al Shammari told the GDN. “Currently, a few regenerative medicine and stem cell medications have been approved, but it’s just a matter of time.
“We will soon see many diseases being treated through regenerative method.
“Bahrain will be a hub for this technology and Bahraini people will have access to the treatments as the centre becomes functional.”
The state-of-the-art facility received its first shipment of equipment recently and is expecting the next lot in a few weeks.
According to Dr Al Shammari, the unit will provide ‘breakthrough’ treatments that do not exist in the region and those that are not accessible to its population – especially for cancer, eye and skin diseases and cartilages.
“The advanced centre established according to the latest international specifications, will commence soon, with the installation and commissioning of equipment being completed,” the medic said.
“The facility is ultra-clean and has sterilised rooms where tissue production will be completed, in co-operation with international universities.
“We will also do advanced research on chronic medical ailments in the Gulf.
“We will provide training to GCC citizens to master the technology of regenerative medicine and stem cell through educational programmes.
“We are co-operating with many international universities in the field of regenerative medicine in Japan and Europe, and will launch many combined projects soon.”
The establishment of the centre follows the AGU initiating its Masters’ programme in Regenerative Medicine in 2019, making it the first-of-its-kind in the Arab region.
“Stem cell and regenerative medicine will play a vital role in tackling health concerns in Gulf societies in the future – especially diabetes, cancer, diseases of the eye, heart, joints and nerves,” added Dr Al Shammari.
The Regenerative Medicine programme (at the AGU) is divided into two parts – stem cells and anti-ageing medicine. It is the first such programme in the Middle East which is facilitated by academics and professors from more than 10 developed countries.
Legislation
Meanwhile, Dr Al Shammari lauded the Shura Council initiative to submit a draft law on stem cell therapy to the government.
The GDN reported that the council in April approved an advanced law to govern stem cell banks, and treatment and research centres – a legislation which includes developing medications and technologies. It was backed by the National Health Regulatory Authority.
AGU president Dr Khalid Al Ohali also praised the step to regulate the legislative framework for regenerative medicine, which he said will “lead to further progress in medical and research services in Bahrain” and in turn, “reduce the dependence on external medical services”.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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