Residents in Abu Dhabi have the unique opportunity to contribute to drug discovery and potentially save lives by donating their blood, cord blood, and cell samples to the Abu Dhabi Biobank. The biobank, a joint effort between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and M42, aims to collect biological samples for research, drug discoveries, and clinical trials. Currently, residents can participate in the cord blood bank through various specialty hospitals in Abu Dhabi, with the official opening of the biobank expected next year.
Albarah Elkhani, senior vice president at M42, highlighted the importance of donating samples for humanity and how residents can play a significant role in advancing medical research. The Abu Dhabi Biobank is set to operate from Masdar City’s net-zero building and will serve as a hub for researchers and collaborators from around the world. The biobank aligns with the Department of Health’s strategy to localize life sciences research in Abu Dhabi.
Samples collected at hospitals include blood, saliva, and cell samples. The biobank is divided into a cord blood bank and a pan-human biobank, with a focus on collecting cord blood from newborns for potential therapeutic and research applications. The region’s largest hybrid cord blood bank has been launched at M42’s Omics Centre of Excellence, with services available at several healthcare entities in Abu Dhabi.
Parents can support this initiative by consenting to donate cord blood from their newborns, which can be used for stem cell transplants and other medical purposes. The process involves informed consent, with healthcare professionals explaining the benefits of donating samples for research and drug discovery. By collecting a variety of biological specimens, researchers can identify new biomarkers and develop potential new therapeutics for various diseases.
The biobank aims to address the underrepresentation of communities from the Emirates and the Middle East region in global clinical trials and drug discovery efforts. By diversifying and expanding the datasets used by pharmaceutical companies, the biobank seeks to improve the precision and effectiveness of drug development. Through collaborative efforts and community participation, the Abu Dhabi Biobank strives to benefit not only local populations but also the global medical community by providing valuable research insights specific to the region.
