Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Biobank has launched private cord blood banking services, offering expectant families with an affordable, accessible, and local way to preserve their newborns' stem cells.
According to Emirates News Agency, the demand for life-saving treatment using cord blood banking is growing, with over 60,000 transplants performed globally using stem cells from umbilical cord blood. However, many families face challenges due to high costs and limited local storage options.
Abu Dhabi Biobank is addressing these challenges by providing cord blood banking at half the cost of current market rates. The biobank has partnered with leading and fully licensed healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi, including M42's Danat Al Emarat Women's and Children Hospital, Corniche Hospital, and Kanad Hospital. This initiative ensures that families can preserve their newborns' cord blood locally, safely, and securely for up to 30 years at the facility in Masdar City, which is equipped with state-of-the-art automated technology and large capacity biobanking infrastructure.
Cord blood, collected from a newborn's umbilical cord immediately after birth, is a valuable source of hematopoietic stem cells. These cells can develop into various blood and immune system components and are crucial in treating over 80 life-threatening diseases prevalent in the UAE, including thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and genetic conditions.
By making private cord blood banking more affordable and accessible, Abu Dhabi Biobank is removing financial and logistical barriers, providing families with a secure and personalized medical resource. This initiative increases the chances of finding a suitable stem cell match within families, significantly improving treatment outcomes for genetic and blood disorders.
Paul Downey, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Biobank, commented on the launch, stating that the initiative is a strong statement by M42 and Abu Dhabi Biobank to make personalized care affordable, accessible, and local. He emphasized the importance of cord blood stem cells as a powerful defense against disease and highlighted the need to overcome barriers that often lead to these valuable cells being discarded as medical waste. With flexible payment plans, advanced biobanking technology, and additional benefits such as newborn screening and genetic counseling, Abu Dhabi Biobank aims to advance personalized and preventive healthcare and raise awareness about the potential of umbilical cord blood in fighting disease.