Latest news with #BurjeelMedicalCity
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Glucose in space: Ax-4 crew to play key role in diabetes study
TITUSVILLE (FLORIDA): Each astronaut aboard the Axiom- mission (Ax-4), including India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is contributing to a first-of-its-kind medical study - an experiment called Suite Ride - that could redefine who gets to go to space. While TOI broke this story in March, more details have now emerged from an exclusive interview with Mohammad Fityan, Clinical Lead for the Suite Ride experiment and Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Medical City. He said the crew is central to validating new technologies that could one day allow even insulin-dependent diabetics to safely fly. "At present, astronauts with diabetes-particularly those requiring insulin-are excluded from spaceflight. This study is laying the groundwork to change that," said Dr Fityan. The Suite Ride experiment, developed in collaboration between Burjeel Holdings and Axiom Space, is focused on monitoring how glucose behaves in microgravity and whether insulin remains stable during space missions. None of the four astronauts aboard Ax-4 has diabetes, but each has undergone pre-flight tests to establish individual glucose baselines on Earth. "They act as healthy controls. This allows us to compare data from space against ground-based measures, which is crucial to validate the reliability of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in orbit," Dr Fityan said. At least one astronaut will wear a CGM ( continuous glucose monitoring ) device throughout the mission, with real-time metabolic data transmitted back to the research team. In addition, insulin pens-though not used by the crew-have been flown to test how the compound behaves when exposed to space conditions. Samples stored at ambient and refrigerated temperatures will be analysed after the flight to check for degradation. "Microgravity gives us a chance to observe metabolic functions without the confounding factors of gravity, posture and muscle use," Dr Fityan said. This makes it easier to isolate how hormones and cells regulate glucose and could reveal early signs of insulin resistance that are harder to detect on Earth. The results, according to him, may eventually influence medical protocols for long-duration missions. "If this technology proves accurate and stable, the exclusion of insulin-treated diabetics could be reconsidered. This would be a step forward in making spaceflight more inclusive." Suite Ride also has terrestrial benefits. It could lead to smarter glucose monitoring tools and more effective insulin therapies for people on Earth-particularly those in remote or resource-limited settings. Technologies being tested include blood glucose monitors, i-STAT (blood analyser) devices, lancets, and remote data capture platforms.
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
Renowned surgeon launches Abu Dhabi clinic to transform care for amputees
A pioneering orthopaedic surgeon who has dedicated his career to advancing prosthetic care around the world has a new mission to support amputee patients in the UAE. Prof Munjed Al Muderis, a renowned expert with decades of experience in the field, spoke of his vision to ensure limb loss never 'defines a person's future' after launching a cutting-edge clinic at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi. The Al Muderis Osseointegration Clinic – which opened last week in collaboration with the Paley Middle East Clinic – offers groundbreaking surgical techniques which aim to reduce recovery times and boost the mobility of patients adapting to a new way of life. The centre offers surgery, rehabilitation, training and long-term follow-up care. 'Mobility is life,' said Prof Al Muderis. 'Our mission is to ensure that limb loss never defines or limits a person's future.' Prof Al Muderis is a former refugee who fled Iraq in 1999 after refusing orders to perform amputations on army deserters under the regime of Saddam Hussein. He rebuilt his life in Australia and has gone on to become a global leader in limb reconstruction. He has treated more than 1,200 patients around the world – including soldiers from Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries wounded in war. New lease of life Most amputees wear prosthetics that attach using a socket that fits over the residual limb. These systems can cause skin breakdown, sores, sweating and instability. Osseointegration involves surgically inserting a titanium rod into the bone of the amputated limb. The rod extends through the skin and connects directly to the external prosthetic limb. Because the prosthesis is anchored to the skeleton, it moves naturally with the body, improving balance, comfort and control. When paired with robotic or muscle-controlled components, the prosthetic limb can respond to signals from the body, offering precise, intuitive motion. Recovery after surgery typically takes months, but Prof Al Muderis has developed a single-stage procedure that dramatically shortens healing time. In some cases, patients begin walking immediately after surgery, with a full recovery period as short as a week. 'I've operated on Ukrainian soldiers this year, and I'm going again this month,' he said. 'I've treated soldiers from many countries. They're young people who deserve to live full lives after injury.' His work has also helped civilians and children. The new clinic in Abu Dhabi will offer access to patients across the region, many of whom previously had to travel abroad for this kind of care. Osseointegration is expensive. In countries without insurance coverage, the procedure can cost between $80,000 and $100,000. However, studies show it can be more cost-effective over time. Traditional socket prosthetics need frequent replacement and adjustments, whereas the osseointegrated implant is long-lasting and more stable. Pledging support Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, announced he would fund 10 osseointegration operations and pledged Dh4 million in support of the clinic's work. 'In the Year of the Community, it is our responsibility to support those who need advanced care and help bring them back to normal life,' Dr Vayalil said. 'When it begins with a touch of generosity, we've already succeeded.' He was inspired by the story of Sham and Omar, two young Syrian siblings who lost limbs in a devastating earthquake and were brought to the UAE for treatment. Their strength, he said, is what led him to act. Life-changing surgery Glenn Bedwell is one of the many patients whose lives have been transformed by the procedure. He was 35 when a celebration turned into catastrophe that changed the course of his life. In 1991, after attending a party with family at a friend's house, he began packing their belongings into the boot of his wife's car. As he stood at the back of the vehicle, a drink-driver lost control and crashed into him, crushing Mr Bedwell between the two cars and severing his right leg on the spot. 'There was no time to move or brace,' he told The National. 'One moment I was loading the trunk, and the next, my life had changed forever.' For more than 20 years, Mr Bedwell wore a socket-based prosthesis. It allowed him to return to work, raise his children, and continue living. But eventually, his skin began to react to the silicone liners used in the socket system. By 2012, he could no longer wear it without pain. 'My body just rejected it,' he said. 'The heat, the pressure points, the constant chafing. In the tropics, you sweat all the time. It just got to the point where I couldn't wear it any more.' Even sitting down became a hazard. 'I remember breaking toilet seats because of the shape and weight of the socket prosthesis,' he said. 'If you sat down too quickly, it would just snap.' That was when he heard about the work being carried out by Prof Al Muderis, and, within three months of meeting him, he underwent surgery. 'The difference was instant,' he said. 'There was nothing touching my skin any more. Suddenly, I had my life back. 'It's like going from a loose, heavy boot to something that feels like your actual leg. 'There's no slipping, no pressure points and you even get a sense of the ground underneath you.' Today, the father of two and grandfather of four walks without pain. He swims, rides a bicycle and no longer needs crutches. 'I have a water leg I use in the shower. I can jump into a swimming pool and climb the ladder to get out like anyone else,' he said. 'I don't worry about slipping any more.' He now travels with Prof Al Muderis to speak to other amputees considering the surgery. 'I'm not a doctor. I don't get paid for this,' he said. 'But if my story helps someone else make the decision, it's worth it.'
Emirates 24/7
28-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil Announces AED 4 Million Worth of Next-Gen Prosthetics for Amputees in Need
Cutting-edge osseointegration surgeries to be provided at Abu Dhabi's Burjeel Medical City through a newly launched clinic led by world-class experts. In a landmark initiative aimed at helping amputees affected by trauma and conflict regain mobility with dignity and confidence, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, has announced the funding of 10 advanced prosthetic surgeries for underprivileged individuals. The announcement, made during the launch of the Al Muderis Osseointegration Clinic at Burjeel Medical City (BMC), represents a commitment of AED 4 million toward improving the quality of life for those living with limb loss. Osseointegration surgeries, introduced to the Middle East for the first time through this initiative, will be offered to the most deserving individuals. The procedures will be performed by Prof. Dr. Munjed Al Muderis, a renowned orthopedic surgeon recognized globally for his expertise in this cutting-edge field. 'We are fortunate to work under the most kind, generous, and purposeful leadership we've ever seen. They are fast thinkers and even faster movers—none of this would have been possible without that vision. In the Year of the Community, it is our responsibility to support those who need advanced care and help bring them back to normal life. I believe we'll do many more cases, but when it begins with a touch of generosity, we've already succeeded,' said Dr. Shamsheer. Inspired by Survivors: The Story of Sham and Omar This initiative was inspired by the courage of two young Syrian siblings—Sham and her older brother Omar—who were rescued from the rubble of their home after a devastating earthquake in Syria. Suffering traumatic injuries and limb loss, they were brought to the UAE under the humanitarian directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent. BMC became their home for complex surgeries and intensive rehabilitation. Deeply moved by their strength and vulnerability, Dr. Shamsheer was inspired to bring the world's best prosthetic solutions to the region. Determined to ensure that children like Sham and Omar—and many others affected by conflict or disaster—can walk again with dignity, he partnered with Prof. Dr. Munjed Al Muderis to establish a regional center of excellence for osseointegration. The goal: to make next-generation prosthetics not just available, but accessible to those who need them most. Al Muderis Clinic to Deliver Surgeries The surgeries will be performed at the newly launched Al Muderis Osseointegration Clinic at BMC. Established in collaboration with the Paley Middle East Clinic, the center introduces a transformative surgical technique that provides amputees with an advanced alternative to traditional socket-based prosthetics. Known as osseointegration, the procedure anchors a prosthetic limb directly to the patient's bone using a titanium implant. This results in significantly improved mobility, stability, and comfort, along with a shorter rehabilitation period. Beneficiaries will receive the Osseointegrated Prosthetic Limb (OPL) system, which integrates with the bone and extends through the skin to securely attach to an external prosthesis. This direct skeletal connection mimics natural limb movement and eliminates many of the limitations of conventional prosthetics. Unlike traditional prosthetics—which can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and joint complications—osseointegration offers a more intuitive, stable, and lifelike experience. The OPL also enables osseoperception, a phenomenon that allows users to regain sensory feedback through their prosthesis. 'Our goal has always been to restore mobility and dignity to amputees. By bringing this technology to the UAE, we're building local capabilities and offering hope to those who have waited too long for the right kind of care,' said Prof. Dr. Al Muderis, who has treated more than 1,200 patients worldwide using this technology. 'We hope Dr. Shamsheer's noble gesture will help restore mobility to the most deserving patients from all age groups. We are proud to begin offering such a unique service through a community-centric initiative.' Prof. Dr. Al Muderis—whose inspiring journey from fleeing Iraq as a refugee to becoming a globally respected surgeon is well known—emphasized the personal mission behind the clinic. 'Mobility is life,' he said. 'Our mission is to ensure that limb loss never defines or limits a person's future. Over the past decade, we pioneered the single-stage technique and adapted the technology for diabetic, vascular, pediatric, transtibial, and hip-disarticulation amputees. With this technology, we empower people with even the most complex injuries to reclaim their independence and quality of life.' A team of medical experts will identify the beneficiaries of the initiative based on clinical evaluation and medical needs. Further details will be announced soon. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Dh4 million gift: UAE doctor offers free surgeries after Syrian siblings lose limbs in quake
When a powerful earthquake hit Syria in 2022, it changed the lives of two young siblings forever. Sham and her older brother, Omar, were rescued from beneath the rubble of their collapsed home. Both suffered severe injuries and lost their limbs. They were brought to the UAE on the orders of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation. Doctors at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Abu Dhabi treated them, and after life-saving surgeries and months of care, the children began their journey to recovery. Their courage and strength inspired everyone around them, especially one UAE-based doctor, who felt motivated to launch a major new project to help others like Sham and Omar. Now, as part of a humanitarian initiative, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, has announced that he will fund ten free, highly advanced prosthetic surgeries for underprivileged individuals. The announcement was made during the launch of the Al Muderis Osseointegration Clinic at Burjeel Medical City (BMC). The doctor has committed Dh4 million to enhancing the quality of life for those living with limb loss. These transformative surgeries will be offered free of charge at the newly established clinic. The clinic is headed by Prof Dr Munjed Al Muderis, a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon who has assisted over 1,200 amputees around the globe in walking again using a specialised technique known as osseointegration. "Losing a limb should not mean losing your independence," said Dr Al Muderis. 'Mobility is life. This technology gives people the chance to move freely again, with confidence and dignity." What makes this surgery different? Unlike traditional prosthetic limbs that attach using tight sockets, which often cause discomfort, skin irritation, and instability, osseointegration involves placing a titanium implant directly into the bone. This acts like a natural extension of the body. It not only provides more stable movement but also restores a sense called osseoperception, allowing patients to feel pressure and movement through the prosthetic, almost like a real limb. First-of-its-kind in the region This will be the first time these surgeries are offered in the Middle East, with the aim of reaching individuals who cannot afford these treatments independently. The surgeries will be carried out in partnership with the Paley Middle East clinic. A dedicated medical team is being formed to evaluate patients and support them through the recovery process. As part of the UAE's Year of the Community, the initiative focuses on helping people regain their independence and dignity, no matter their background. "This is just the beginning," said Dr Al Muderis. "There are so many amputees out there waiting for the right kind of help. We hope this step brings real hope, and real change, to their lives."
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
CAR T-cell therapy cuts cancer treatment cost by 90%: Burjeel
ABU DHABI -- Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi has announced a major medical breakthrough with the development of an innovative CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancers, which could reduce treatment costs by up to 90 percent. This advancement marks a significant step towards localising biopharmaceutical industries, reinforcing the UAE's position as a regional hub for cellular therapies and medical innovation, while also enhancing healthcare and economic security. Speaking to Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Make it in the Emirates forum at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Dr. Ajlan Al Zaki, Director of the Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Cellular Therapy at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, described the event as an ideal platform to introduce this advanced treatment. The therapy involves collecting T-cells from the patient, genetically modifying them in a laboratory to recognise and attack cancer cells, then reinfusing them into the patient's body. Al Zaki said the forum offers a strategic opportunity to showcase the UAE's capabilities in locally manufacturing CAR T-cells and exploring export potential for this technology to regional and international markets. He noted that this approach exemplifies the integration of science and biotechnology, supporting the knowledge economy and building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. He highlighted that the hospital's success in reducing treatment costs by up to 90 percent is unprecedented in the region and strengthens the UAE's standing as a regional centre for advanced therapies. The achievement also paves the way for greater global scientific collaboration and reflects the country's significant progress in the medical field. Al Zaki, who previously held research and clinical roles at Stanford University and the MD Anderson Cancer Center, expressed his commitment to leveraging his expertise to provide effective and affordable cancer treatments across the UAE and the wider region, while raising awareness of CAR T-cell therapy for difficult-to-treat blood cancers. He explained that CAR T-cell therapy is a form of personalised, precision medicine usually administered in a single session, with promising recovery rates. This represents a paradigm shift in the future of cancer care in the UAE and strengthens Abu Dhabi's role as a regional centre for clinical research and cancer treatment innovation. The CAR T-cell initiative, he added, demonstrates the UAE's capacity to localise advanced biotechnologies, empower national talent, and bridge scientific research with precision medicine and personalised therapies. While the treatment was initially designed for blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma, research is expanding its application to solid tumours, including breast, pancreatic and lung cancers, as well as complex brain tumours like glioblastoma and metastatic cancers resistant to conventional therapies. Al Zaki also emphasised the growing role of artificial intelligence in genomic analysis and precise molecular target identification, along with the use of cutting-edge gene editing tools like CRISPR to enhance cell engineering. He pointed to the UAE's collaborative efforts with scientific partners and non-profit institutions such as Caring Cross to manufacture these therapies locally, helping to make them more widely accessible across regional medical centres, rather than limited to a handful of global facilities.
