Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre Develops New MS Treatment Using THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis Platform

📷WAM

ABU DHABI, December 1, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) announced it is developing an advanced treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using the THERAKOS CELLEX platform for extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) as part of a clinical trial approved by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

The trial introduces ECP as a potential therapeutic option for patients with MS, a chronic neurological condition in which the immune system attacks the nervous system, causing difficulties with movement, balance and speech. ADSCC said the treatment could offer an alternative for patients who no longer respond to conventional therapies.

ECP, commonly used for graft-versus-host disease and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, involves collecting a patient’s white blood cells, photo-activating them outside the body and reinfusing them to help modulate immune function. ADSCC has been studying the approach for possible use in neurological autoimmune disorders.

The clinical trial, part of the PHOMS study conducted by ADSCC, focused on patients with Secondary Progressive MS and Relapsing-Remitting MS. ADSCC said many participants reported improvements in balance, walking and speech.

“The collaborative efforts from different stakeholders in the Abu Dhabi healthcare ecosystem, including the DOH and MS Society, have been instrumental in culminating this important study that will strengthen the position of the UAE as a regional leader in cell and gene therapy. The results that will be published shortly in our scientific reports can pave the way for the incorporation of a new treatment alternative for people with MS for the first time globally,” said Prof. Yendry Ventura, Chief Executive Officer of ADSCC.

Sandra Thompson, Co-CEO of Therakos LLC, said:

“We greatly value the expertise and dedication of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre and its commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centred research. We look forward to our future collaboration in helping drive meaningful progress for the MS community in the UAE.”