DoH, M42 launch region's largest hybrid cord blood bank

The department of health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) and M42 have collaborated to launch the Abu Dhabi Biobank, with its first offering being the region's largest hybrid cord blood bank.

Reinforcing the Emirate's position as a leading destination for life sciences, the initiative aims to shorten waiting times for treatment, increase therapeutic access for patients, improve survival rates and reduce the economic burden on governments.

Announced at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week 2024 where M42 is participating as the Foundation Partner, the Abu Dhabi Biobank is part of the emirate's vision of building a unique global biobanking hub delivering invaluable data assets for maximal impact on people's health.

The service will be introduced across four leading healthcare entities committed to maternal and child health across Abu Dhabi. 

Prospective parents can avail themselves of this service at Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children, part of the M42 group, Corniche Hospital, Kanad Hospital, and hospitals as part of NMC Healthcare.

Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said that the wealth of biological and medical data amassed by the Biobank will catalyse scientific breakthroughs, expediting drug discovery, thus contributing to the Emirate's ability to find solutions for local and global health challenges. 

It will significantly impact clinical care and patient outcomes, emphasising cord-derived stem cell therapies and enabling local stem cell therapy delivery.