ADSCC Launches Advanced Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Using ECP

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) has announced a new treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using the THERAKOS CELLEX platform for photopheresis. This treatment is part of a clinical trial approved by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. It offers a new therapy option for people living with this challenging neurological disease, aiming to improve their quality of life and manage symptoms more effectively.

MS is a long-term condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nervous system. This can cause problems with movement, balance, and speech. While there are existing therapies, many patients eventually reach a point where standard treatments no longer work effectively. For such individuals, new treatment options are urgently needed. The extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) method explored by ADSCC offers hope for patients with few remaining alternatives.

Photopheresis, or ECP, is a treatment previously used for other conditions like graft-versus-host disease and certain types of lymphoma. For MS patients, the process involves collecting a patient’s white blood cells, treating them with light outside the body, and then returning them to the patient. This approach aims to rebalance the immune system, potentially slowing the progression of MS and reducing symptoms, including difficulties with walking, balance, and speech.

The treatment is part of the PHOMS clinical study, conducted by ADSCC and approved by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. The study focuses on patients with Secondary Progressive MS and Relapsing-Remitting MS. Many participants have reported improvements in walking, balance, and speech, showing progress that was not possible with standard therapies. These promising results indicate that photopheresis could be a transformative option for people living with MS.

Prof. Yendry Ventura, CEO of ADSCC, highlighted the collaboration between stakeholders in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector, including the DOH and MS Society, as key to the study’s success. He said the results, to be published soon, could lead to the first global adoption of this new MS treatment, strengthening the UAE’s position as a leader in cell and gene therapy.

Sandra Thompson, Co-CEO of Therakos LLC, praised the expertise and dedication of ADSCC. She noted that the partnership would help drive meaningful progress for the MS community in the UAE. This collaboration aims to bring scientific innovation and patient-centered research together, improving treatment outcomes and inspiring hope for people living with MS.

The development of this advanced treatment marks a major step forward for the global MS community. By combining scientific excellence, innovative technology, and patient-focused care, the UAE is providing a new avenue of hope for individuals facing a difficult and often debilitating condition. With continued research and collaboration, photopheresis could become a standard therapy for MS, offering relief and better quality of life for patients worldwide