Dr. Ajlān Wahid Ibrāhīm Al-Zāki, the first Emirati physician specializing in T-cell cancer immunotherapy and director of the Blood Diseases and Oncology Center at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, has introduced an innovative technique for treating hematological cancers using genetically modified T-cells (CAR T-cell therapy).

This development represents a significant advancement in the treatment of cancer within the UAE, particularly for blood cancers, marking a pivotal step towards localizing biomedical industries and enhancing the healthcare security and economy of the nation.

In a recent interview, Al-Zāki announced that local production of this advanced treatment is underway, which could reduce treatment costs by as much as 90%.

This local manufacturing effort aims to decrease reliance on foreign production in line with the UAE's commitment to establishing a leadership role in advanced biomedical industries and life sciences while fostering a knowledge-based economy centered on technology and artificial intelligence.

Al-Zāki explained that with the rapid advancements in personalized medicine and immunotherapy, T-cell treatments have emerged as a promising solution for combating cancer, especially in cases resistant to conventional therapies.

The CAR T-cell treatment involves extracting T-cells from the patient’s blood, genetically modifying them in a laboratory to recognize and attack cancer cells with precision, and reinfusing them into the patient's body.

The treatment is specifically tailored to each patient, designed based on their individual genetic makeup and the type of tumor they are experiencing.

It targets tumors with high accuracy, sparing healthy cells, unlike traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Al-Zāki noted that the therapy has already shown remarkable results, achieving higher recovery rates in previously considered intractable cases, which constitutes a transformative advancement in the future landscape of oncology treatment within the UAE.

This development underscores Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s growing reputation as a regional hub for clinical research and cancer treatment innovation.

Additionally, the new approach has reduced the need for repetitive treatments, alleviating the physical and psychological burdens on patients.

Studies have shown that 91% of patients who received the treatment did not require further treatment afterward, compared to 76% of patients undergoing traditional therapies.

Dr. Al-Zāki emphasized that local manufacturing changes the game significantly, as it reduces costs linked to external shipping and storage, diminishes reliance on imports, and mitigates risks associated with global supply chains, thus shortening wait times for treatment initiation.

Moreover, the localized nature of the treatment provides psychological comfort and instills greater confidence among patients and their families, knowing that therapies are prepared close to home under the supervision of qualified local medical teams.

This also contributes to the development of medical and research infrastructure in the UAE, further solidifying its position as a regional center for treatment and research.

The production of this type of therapy required precise techniques and stringent regulatory frameworks.

Al-Zāki stated that the transition from laboratory development to local production has been successful thanks to collaboration between research institutions and medical centers, supported directly by government initiatives.

The 'Made in the UAE' initiative has provided a supportive environment through legislative frameworks, infrastructure, and industrial incentives that have facilitated partnerships with leading biotechnology firms, enabling the localization of this critical industry in a record timeframe.

Al-Zāki highlighted that the UAE possesses various attributes that facilitate the manufacturing and development of T-cell therapy technologies, including advanced infrastructure and specialized centers, such as the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center, which successfully produced the first T-cells in the country in collaboration with esteemed international institutions.

Moreover, government support via investment in healthcare and research sectors enhances the nation's capacity to adopt and refine advanced therapeutic techniques.

He noted that Emirati professionals play a vital role in this field, contributing to research and development and assisting in the advancement and application of T-cell therapy techniques.

Specialized training programs are in place to equip national personnel with skills in biomedical and genetic engineering.

The leadership positions held by Emirati professionals in research and medical institutions strengthen the direction of national policies and strategies in this domain, bolstering the UAE's status as a regional and global center for medical treatment and research.

Al-Zāki remarked that the developments in T-cell therapy in the UAE reflect not just a medical advancement but also a manifestation of a strategic vision that prioritizes local innovation and specialized medicine, coupled with ongoing investments in research and artificial intelligence, which is increasingly integral to the healthcare sector.

AI is being utilized for deeper and faster patient data analysis and in identifying biomarkers to refine treatment designs, as well as automating numerous manufacturing stages and predicting treatment response effectiveness for individual patients, which enhances the efficacy and safety of the therapy.