MANAMA, 14 October 2004 — An innovative new stem cell technology that could potentially benefit patients of many conditions — including sickle cell anemia — has moved a step closer to becoming a worldwide standard, thanks to the help of investors from the Arab world. Stem cell technology is poised to transform the lives of millions currently suffering from debilitating diseases.
The successful completion in India of human proof in principle trials of the innovative process, which could spell relief for those afflicted with anemia, diabetes and other ailments was announced this week by TriStem, a company founded in 1999 by Saudi medical specialist Dr. Ilham Abuljadayel and her husband, Ghazi Dhoot.
The treatment, based on more than a decade of research, challenges the basics of cellular biology. It has enormous potential within the Arab world where there is an unusually high incidence of anemia and diabetes.
Although the path from discovery to distribution of new medical technology is a long and expensive one, the success of Dr. Abuljadayel’s recent proof of principle trials in India has been a crucial part of the building blocks needed to prove that the process is safe and effective.
The pioneering technique, which was discovered by Dr. Abuljadayel in 1990, uses blood from the patient, which she converts back to its original, prespecialized state — known as a stem cell. The technique, retro-differentiation, works with the patient’s white-blood cells creating a supply of stem cells, which can be grown into any number of different cell types to treat many complex and previously untreatable conditions. Because the patient becomes his own donor, there is no risk of rejection by the immune system. This process has been patented worldwide since 1994.
“Stem cell research is nothing new,” explains Dr. Abuljadayel. “Scientists worldwide have been exploring all aspects of these ‘blank slate’ cells for years. The reason for the widespread interest in them is that they are capable of growing into any type of adult cell.
“However, the topic of stem cell research creates controversy throughout the world due to the source of the cells — aborted fetuses or placental tissue. But this controversy may end soon with this new technology,” she added.
