Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre and Miltenyi forge pioneering partnership to advance CAR-T therapy innovation
A landmark collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre and leading biotechnology firm Miltenyi Biomedicine will accelerate the development and local manufacturing of advanced cell therapies, establishing the emirate as a regional centre of excellence for life-changing treatments.
The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) and Miltenyi Biomedicine have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement that promises to transform the landscape of advanced cell therapy development and manufacturing within the United Arab Emirates. Formalised on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026, this distinguished partnership represents a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to pioneering biomedical innovation and reducing the necessity for eligible patients to pursue treatment elsewhere.
The collaboration brings together complementary strengths and expertise, with ADSCC contributing its established capabilities across the full spectrum of cell therapy development and manufacturing, whilst Miltenyi Biomedicine provides access to proprietary viral vector and anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor technologies. This synergy will facilitate the establishment of a regional access point for locally developed CAR-T therapies and support the exploration of applications extending beyond oncology into other serious conditions.
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy represents a sophisticated advancement in medical science, utilising a patient’s own immune cells which are genetically modified to recognise and neutralise disease-causing cells with enhanced precision. Whilst established as an efficacious treatment for certain blood cancers, the therapeutic potential of CAR-T technology is increasingly recognised across diverse clinical applications, including autoimmune conditions.
The ADSCC has already demonstrated considerable prowess in this domain, having established a comprehensive local CAR-T platform encompassing cell collection, processing, genetic engineering and Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant manufacturing facilities. The centre has further distinguished itself through pioneering clinical applications, having successfully implemented CAR-T therapy in autoimmune disease settings, including the treatment of lupus.
Dr. Antonio Alfonso Bencomo Hernandez, Chief Scientific Officer at ADSCC, emphasised the significance of this partnership, noting that the collaboration will enable the centre to expand its capabilities and translate scientific advancement into tangible benefits for patients throughout the region. Willem-Jan Blok, Senior Vice President for Global Strategy and Commercial Markets at Miltenyi Biomedicine, similarly articulated the importance of combining scientific innovation with manufacturing expertise to realise the transformative potential of cell therapy technologies for the patient community.
Source: WAM