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DuBiotech will incorporate blood transfusion, gene therapy centres

DUBAI — DuBiotech, the hub of biotechnology in Dubai, will also incorporate a research, treatment, blood transfusion centre and a gene therapy centre for thalassaemic patients, said Dr Abdulqader Al Khayat, Executive Director, Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park.

Dr Khayat is representing DuBiotech at the 10th International Conference on Thalassaemia and Hemoglobinopathies, being held in conjunction with the 12th International TIF Conference for Thalassaemia Patients and Parents at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, he said that thalassaemia is a major disease in the UAE with one in 20 persons being affected in the region.

“DuBiotech’s initiative at the conference is to promote biotechnology in the UAE. We are also negotiating with different international organisations and companies to create awareness about the disease and set up a centre in the UAE. DuBiotech aims at enhancing research in the region, fostering biotechnology education, providing training and industry support, offering highly developed multi-faceted infrastructure and facilities and presenting a knowledge-based bio-economy for the region," said Dr Khayat.

"The spread of the disease in the region is because of inter-marriages, and the only treatment available is gene therapy," he said.

Dr Khayat also offered his condolences on the death of Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.