The King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) recently joined a conference on stem cell research and its application science and medicine, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The conference, which was organized by the Health Affairs at the National Guard, unveiled the latest discoveries and findings made by researchers at the stem cell and regenerative medicine unit at KAIMRC, the agency said. The conference was attended by several experts on stem cell research representing Saudi Arabia, the United States, Britain, France, Sweden, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. Ahmed Al-Askar, CEO of KAIMRC, said stem cell research is a broad topic that sheds light on how to best exploit human cells to treat diseases for certain organs, such as the liver, kidney or nerves. He said the current use of stem cells is centered on plantation for the treatment of certain types of leukemia, cancer and genetic diseases. Since its inception three years ago, the center has transplanted 200 cells following the creation of a program for transplanting stem cells in children and adults, he said. Saudi Arabia has the sole stem cell donation registry in Arab countries, compared with 60 cells donation registries globally, he said. The Saudi stem cell donation center is meant to attract potential donors from Arab countries, he said. We have had 5,000 donors so far. He said some 400 scientists and experts are working at the center, while another 40 physicians have been dispatched on scholarships to acquire training and specialization. Al-Askar expressed optimism over the future of stem cell use and its contribution to the treatment of a variety of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, pulmonary and hepatic fibrosis and neurological and cardiovascular disorders.

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Conference to shed light on latest stem cell applications