AbuDhabi -- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC) is developing an advanced treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) utilising the THERAKOS CELLEX platform for photopheresis.

The treatment is being introduced within a clinical trial approved by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, which utilises extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) for patients with MS. 

This milestone opens the door to offering an innovative therapeutic option for individuals living with this complex neurological condition.

MS is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the nervous system, leading to difficulties with movement, balance, and speech. 

While there are existing therapies, many patients eventually reach a point where conventional options are no longer effective. ECP offers renewed hope to those with few remaining alternatives.

ECP, traditionally used for graft-versus-host disease and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, has been explored by ADSCC as a potential therapy for neurological autoimmune disorders. 

The treatment involves collecting a patient’s white blood cells, photo-activating them outside the body, and reinfusing them to help rebalance immune function, potentially slowing the progression of MS and easing symptoms.

This breakthrough is part of the PHOMS clinical study, conducted by ADSCC and approved by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. 

The study focused on patients with Secondary Progressive MS and Relapsing-Remitting MS. Many have reported improvements in balance, walking, and speech - progress that was not possible with standard therapies.

Prof. Yendry Ventura, Principal Investigator of the PHOMS study, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, and Adjunct Professor at UAE University, said: “The collaborative efforts from different stakeholders in Abu Dhabi healthcare ecosystem including the DOH and MS Society has been instrumental in culminating this important study that will strengthen the position of the UAE as 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 globally. 

We are extremely proud that such innovations are being born from Abu Dhabi to the world.”

"Every milestone brings us closer to new solutions for immune-mediated neurological diseases. 

The achievements of the PHOMS study and our strategic work with THERAKOS reflect the UAE’s commitment to advancing science and delivering life-changing treatments to our community."

THERAKOS, the world leader in ECP, and manufacturer of the THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis System, welcomed the findings, calling them an important step for global research on immune-driven neurological disease.

Sandra Thompson, Co-CEO, Therakos LLC, said: “We greatly value the expertise and dedication of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center and its commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centered research. 

We look forward to our future collaboration in helping drive meaningful progress for the MS community in the UAE.”

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) played a role in the trial by providing funding to drive the research forward. This financial commitment enabled the research team to accelerate the timeline and expand the scope of the study. 

Through its research grant cycles, NMSS continues to fund innovative studies such as the PHOMS trial, advancing understanding, improving care, and accelerating meaningful progress for people living with MS.

Beyond its clinical impact, the PHOMS study reinforces Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a regional hub for biomedical innovation, immunotherapy, and translational research. 

It also highlights ADSCC’s ability to conduct complex interventional trials that meet rigorous international scientific and ethical standards.

With the PHOMS trial demonstrating promising safety and effectiveness, ADSCC is propelling Abu Dhabi to the forefront of a new era in MS care. 

This achievement underscores the capital’s emergence as a leading hub for biomedical innovation, advanced immunotherapy, and world-class clinical research.