Press Release

Synergy promises to redefine oncology therapy and drive personalized treatment for cancer patients

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 15, 05, 2024 — In line with the UAE’s ongoing efforts to revolutionize cancer care, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a leading global scientific research center and the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), today announced that it has joined forces with Burjeel Medical City (BMC), the flagship quaternary care hospital under Burjeel Holdings, to pioneer novel immunotherapy solutions for cancer treatment. The collaboration is focused on engineering T-cell based therapeutics, including Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy — two groundbreaking treatments that help boost the body’s own immune system to fight against cancer.

The partnership, set to run for two years with the possibility of further extension, was signed by Dr. Thomas Launey, Chief Researcher of TII’s Biotechnology Research Center, and Dr. Khaled Musallam, Chief Research Officer of Burjeel Holdings, in the presence of Dr. Ray O. Johnson, CEO, TII, and Safeer Ahamed, Group COO, Burjeel Holdings, at the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week. BMC, known for its complex care offerings in key specialties including oncology, will leverage cutting-edge technologies from TII, such as its state-of-the-art computational framework to identify patient-specific antigens relevant to cancer, and develop personalized cancer therapies. In Phase 1 of the project, TII will construct an in-silico platform to identify tailored cancer-specific antigens from single-cell transcriptomics data. This platform will facilitate the design of CAR-T cells capable of effectively targeting cancer-specific antigens. During Phase 2, the in-silico platform will undergo rigorous testing through in-vitro and in-vivo experiments.

We expect that this collaboration with BMC will yield fast and meaningful impact in cancer therapy. Together, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation to provide hope to those affected by this critical health challenge.

We live in times where cancers continue to proliferate with a ruthless and growing frequency, impacting the lives of those affected and their families. This is clearly not a struggle the healthcare sector can overcome alone. Creating partnerships that help supercharge cancer research and treatment are crucial to enhance the pace of discoveries and improve patient outcomes. Our partnership with TII will play a pivotal role in the ongoing fight against cancer.

With the UAE fast becoming a key leader in innovative cancer care through various strategic initiatives, the TII-Burjeel alliance is a clear indication of the country’s commitment to collaborative progress in oncology, fostering breakthrough solutions that will elevate the healthcare industry to new heights.

About Technology Innovation Institute (TII)

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII is a pioneering global research and development center that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. The Institute has 10 dedicated research centers in advanced materials, autonomous robotics, cryptography, AI and digital science, directed energy, quantum, secure systems, propulsion and space, biotechnology, and renewable and sustainable energy. By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions, and industry partners from all over the world, TII connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem that reinforces the status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for innovation.

For more information, visit https://www.tii.ae/

Connect with us on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiiuae/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TIIuae
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiiuae/;

For media inquiries, please contact:

Technology Innovation Institute
comms@atrc.gov.ae

About Burjeel Medical City

Burjeel Medical City (BMC) is a 400-bed multispecialty hospital and quaternary care center located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It is the region’s complex care hub with over 60 adult and pediatric specialties, aided by state-of-the-art medical technology and an international team of experts. The 1.2 million-square-foot hospital is a flagship facility under the Burjeel Holdings umbrella. It is renowned for key specialties including oncology, hematology, bone marrow transplantation, neurosurgery, multi-organ transplantation, advanced orthopedic surgery, pediatric subspecialties, fetal medicine, nuclear medicine, and advanced gynecology. The hospital is the first to receive ESMO accreditation as an Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care Center. BMC is the Reference Site for Elekta and Novalis Certified Radiosurgery Centers. Visit: https://burjeel.com/burjeelmedicalcity/

Connect with us on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/burjeel-medical-city/
Twitter: https://x.com/burjeelmedicity
Instagram: https://instagram.com/burjeelmedicity
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurjeelMediCity

For media inquiries, please contact:

M Unnikrishnan, Corporate Communications Officer, Burjeel Holdings
krish@burjeelholdings.com

Technology Innovation Institute, Burjeel Medical City Partner to Advance Immunotherapy Solutions for Cancer Patients