Abu Dhabi Doctors Pioneer CAR-T Therapy for Rare Autoimmune Case
<p>Abu Dhabi has achieved a major medical milestone with the successful use of CAR-T cell therapy to treat a complex autoimmune condition. In a groundbreaking case, the <strong>Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC)</strong>, in collaboration with <strong>Yas Clinic Khalifa City</strong>, administered CAR-T therapy to a 38-year-old man suffering from <strong>severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)</strong> and <strong>triple-positive antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)</strong>.</p><p>This marks one of the <strong>earliest applications of CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases in the Middle East</strong>, highlighting the UAE’s leadership in advanced healthcare innovation.</p><h4>A Complex and High-Risk Patient</h4><p>The patient had a long history of severe complications, including <strong>diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, recurrent brain bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, IVC thrombosis, and Budd-Chiari syndrome</strong>. Despite being treated with multiple immunosuppressants and anticoagulants, his disease activity remained uncontrolled and life-threatening.</p><p>Given the complexity of his case, traditional treatments had reached their limits. After careful evaluation, doctors decided to try <strong>CAR-T therapy</strong>, a revolutionary immune-modulating approach originally developed for cancer patients but now being tested globally for autoimmune conditions.</p><h4>What is CAR-T Therapy?</h4><p><strong>Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy</strong> involves reprogramming a patient’s own immune cells to fight disease. In cancer, CAR-T has been highly successful in treating blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Now, researchers are exploring its potential in autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.</p><p>By “resetting” the immune system, CAR-T therapy may offer long-term remission for patients who have exhausted all other treatment options.</p><h4>Early Signs of Recovery</h4><p>Following the procedure, the patient began showing <strong>early signs of improvement</strong> and what doctors describe as an “immune reset.” He has since been discharged from the hospital and is being monitored under a comprehensive follow-up plan to track his remission status and manage clotting risks.</p><p>Prof. Yendry Ventura, CEO of ADSCC, called the treatment “a bold step forward in managing severe autoimmune conditions,” adding that it reflects years of investment in <strong>research, innovation, and patient-focused care</strong>.</p><p>Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer at Yas Clinic Khalifa City, described the achievement as “a transformative milestone in regional healthcare,” noting that the partnership between ADSCC and Yas Clinic Khalifa City is <strong>setting new standards for autoimmune disease treatment</strong>.</p><h4>Strengthening the UAE’s Position in Healthcare Innovation</h4><p>The successful case highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a hub for <strong>advanced therapies and regenerative medicine</strong>. It reflects the UAE’s broader national strategy to position itself as a global leader in medical innovation.</p><p>ADSCC has already achieved several firsts in the region. In 2020, it launched the UAE’s <strong>first comprehensive bone marrow transplant program</strong>, offering life-saving treatment to patients with blood cancers and immune disorders. The center also operates the country’s <strong>only fully integrated stem cell collection, processing, and clinical care facility</strong>.</p><p>In 2024, ADSCC’s <strong>cellular therapy processing laboratory</strong> received accreditation from the <strong>Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)</strong>—a first for the UAE and one of only two such facilities in the entire region. This accreditation places the center among the world’s most advanced institutions for cellular therapies.</p><h4>Looking Ahead: New Hope for Autoimmune Patients</h4><p>Globally, CAR-T therapy is still in the trial phase for autoimmune diseases. However, this Abu Dhabi case signals a <strong>turning point</strong> for patients in the region suffering from severe, treatment-resistant conditions such as lupus, APS, and other autoimmune disorders.</p><p>While more studies and long-term monitoring are needed, the successful use of CAR-T therapy in this case offers <strong>new hope</strong> to patients who have run out of conventional options. It also shows that the UAE is not just adopting cutting-edge medical technologies but actively <strong>pioneering their use in new fields</strong>.</p><p>For ADSCC and Yas Clinic Khalifa City, the achievement is more than just a medical breakthrough. It represents a <strong>commitment to improving patient outcomes</strong>, training the next generation of specialists, and advancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for innovation in healthcare.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The first successful application of CAR-T therapy for autoimmune disease in the Middle East is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to <strong>transformative healthcare solutions</strong>. By combining advanced research, international standards, and patient-centered care, Abu Dhabi is shaping the future of regenerative medicine and offering new possibilities for patients once considered untreatable.</p>