DoH advances paediatric cell and gene therapy

The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., to establish the Abu Dhabi - Children's National Hospital Cell and Gene Therapy Clinical Excellence Programme. The partnership marks a major step in advancing access to paediatric cell and gene therapies across the UAE.

The agreement outlines joint fellowships, training programmes and workshops aimed at developing local expertise, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for innovation in life sciences.

Dr Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at DoH, said the partnership reflects Abu Dhabi's integrated, patient-centred approach to healthcare. She added, "By combining global expertise with local ambition, we are building a care model that is sustainable, scalable and tailored to the needs of our youngest patients."

Michelle Riley-Brown, President and CEO of Children's National, said the collaboration builds on a long-standing partnership with the UAE, aiming to fast-track the development of cutting-edge therapies and offer new hope to children and families.

The initiative will drive development and delivery of advanced therapies such as Virus-Specific T-cell therapies (VST), with plans to establish Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant facilities, standardise treatment protocols, and streamline clinical trial systems in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement also covers joint biobanking, data governance improvements and long-term patient care integration. A major component includes Emirati clinician-scientist fellowships and the co-development of specialised training in cellular immunotherapy and trial management.

The partnership will introduce virtual tumour board sessions and hands-on training in cell therapy manufacturing, quality control, and clinical procedures. Complementary workshops will focus on Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs) and regulatory design, strengthening Abu Dhabi's healthcare workforce.

The agreement follows a high-level Abu Dhabi delegation visit to the United States from 15th to 21st June, 2025, focused on health innovation and investment. Participants included the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, Etihad Cargo, NYU Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, MBZUAI and startAD.

WAM