Emirates and Israeli stem cell research centers agree to cooperate to fight COVID-19

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre (ADSSC) has reported on the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. for collaboration in the field of research and development of services and products related to regenerative medicine, including those that can be used to combat COVID-19.

The agreement involves two key entities in the area of stem cells and was signed by Emirati and Israeli representatives from both companies during an event held by videoconference. 

The objective of this joint activity is to capitalize on each company's respective areas of expertise in cell therapies to offer regenerative medicine for the benefit not only of the citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel, but of humanity as a whole. "The UAE has always been inclusive in its approach to finding solutions to global challenges, bringing together the many skills of people from different countries," said Dr. Fatima al-Kaabi, executive director of the ADSSC bone marrow transplant program. "We have followed suit, as is evident from the diversity of experience among my colleagues and our international partners," she added in a statement collected by the Emirate news agency WAM.

Dr. Yendry Ventura, general manager of ADSCC, spoke positively of the partnership: "Pluristem has proved to be a formidable player in the field of stem cells and we look forward to working together with great enthusiasm.

Both ADSCC and Pluristem have developed innovative products that have proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of COVID-19 infections. Pluristem has treated patients with its placental allogeneic product PLX-PAD through compassionate use programs in Israel and the United States. And it is currently conducting Phase II studies in the USA and the European Union. 

ADSCC has been treating patients affected by coronavirus with its patented and approved product UAECell19 , which has shown, in relation to standard treatment, a clinical improvement in half the usual time and a reduction in the length of hospital stays to approximately a quarter of the average length. The parties agreed to exchange research results, share samples, pool the use of equipment and tests, and other essential activities related to the advancement of treatment and research into cellular therapies for a wide range of medical conditions, including COVID-19.

Yaki Yanai, CEO and President of Pluristem, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "We are very proud to partner with our ADSCC colleagues in sharing knowledge and expertise that will advance healthcare at home and abroad. We see life sciences and regenerative medicine as a bridge to building peace, prosperity and well-being in our region and for the entire world. I believe it is our obligation and privilege as business leaders and scientists to lead the way in strengthening partnerships and promoting innovation and education. We are honored to be at the forefront of this historic moment.

With the aim of developing a rapid, high-precision test and improving research on COVID-19, UAE company APEX National Investment has announced the signing of a strategic business agreement with Israeli company TeraGroup to develop research and studies on the new coronavirus. The agreement was signed by Khalifa Yousef Khouri, Chairman of APEX National Investment, and Oren Sadiv, Chairman and CEO of TeraGroup, at a press conference held at the headquarters of Al-Qudra Holding in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Regarding this agreement, Khouri said that First Capital Group is "very interested in bringing together companies specialized in science and inventions to establish commercial and investment partnerships with companies from the United Arab Emirates, such as APEX National Investment," as reported by El Correo del Golfo

The agreement between the two companies aims to conduct and improve research and studies related to COVID-19 as well as develop a coronavirus testing device to help speed up the process with high accuracy in accordance with international best practices. 

All these initiatives come after the historic agreement sealed last week between the Emirates and Israel, with the mediation of the United States, to resume diplomatic relations in order to work towards the pacification of the Middle East.