Latest news with #PaulDowney
Khaleej Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi biobank completes step to help UAE patients get local cell transplants for diseases
The Abu Dhabi Biobank has just completed a crucial process that brings the UAE one step closer to providing stem cell transplants using samples stored right here in the country. While it may sound technical, the goal is clear — to help people in the UAE get lifesaving treatments faster, without relying on overseas donors. Stem cell transplants are one of the most advanced treatments available for conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and some rare immune disorders. But in order for a transplant to work, doctors need to find a close genetic match between the patient and a donor — something that's especially challenging in countries with limited donor registries. 'The most recent major milestone is the HLA typing of all the stem cell samples that we've banked,' said Paul Downey, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Biobank, in an interview with Khaleej Times. 'That means that we can now match them between the donor and patients in need of stem cell therapy,' he explained. 'We've literally just finished the HLA typing; we hope in 2025 we will see a local transplantation.' HLA typing, short for human leukocyte antigen typing, is a process used to identify specific genetic markers on white blood cells that help the immune system distinguish between the body's own cells and foreign ones. This is especially important for stem cell and organ transplants, because a close HLA match between donor and patient greatly reduces the risk of the body rejecting the transplanted cells. Without proper matching, even a potentially life-saving transplant can fail. By completing HLA typing of its stored stem cell samples, the Abu Dhabi Biobank has made it possible to begin searching for suitable matches for patients within the country for the first time. New approach to UAE health 'One of the key things that we want to do is to address the health issues that affect the UAE and Abu Dhabi,' Downey noted. 'So, we're targeting the chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular [disease], as well as looking at healthy cohorts — understanding how people are living their lives in Abu Dhabi and what that does to their health.' What people eat, and the exercise they do, along with factors they don't choose like the air they breathe, the water they drink, and to some extent the jobs they do, all play a part, and early detection is vital. 'Biobanks are powered by numbers,' he explained. 'So, the more participants that you can combine in your dataset, the greater the power of the research resource. So, we'd look to network with other local biobanks and international biobanks.' Similar efforts are already underway in countries like the UK and Qatar, where national biobanks have helped identify new disease risk factors, develop targeted treatments, and refine health policy based on genetic and environmental data. This comes at a time when chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and cancer continue to affect many across the country. Non-communicable diseases — many of them potentially treatable or manageable with early interventions, account for nearly 77 per cent of deaths in the UAE in 2018, according to the World Health Organisation. New state-of-the-art facility in Masdar 'This year has really been focused on establishing the Biobank; so, we've developed the scientific protocol, which is really the blueprint of what we're going to do and why, and what the likely outcomes will be in terms of research findings,' Downey said. 'We've been developing a state-of-the-art new Biobanking facility at Masdar City, which will open towards the end of the year, allow us to really spread our wings and press on with the research.' Once the centre opens, 'the team plans to really start to sprint,' he added. The Abu Dhabi Biobank is part of a broader push by the emirate to become a regional leader in medical research, genomics, and personalised healthcare, alongside efforts like the Emirati Genome Programme and the Abu Dhabi Life Sciences Hub.
CBS News
30-06-2025
- CBS News
Boston police officer of 30 years charged with child rape
Boston Police officer charged with child rape after being accused of paying child for sexual acts Boston Police officer charged with child rape after being accused of paying child for sexual acts Boston Police officer charged with child rape after being accused of paying child for sexual acts A Boston Police officer of over 30 years has been charged with child rape after being accused of paying a 14-year-old for sexual acts. Sergeant Paul Downey appeared in Boston Municipal Court in Dorchester on Monday. A judge approved an arrest warrant for Sergeant Downey, who is charged with four counts of Rape of a Child Aggravated by Age Difference, two counts of Engaging in Sexual Conduct with a Child under 18 for a Fee, and two counts of Enticement of a Child under 18 to Engage in Commercial Sexual Activity. Downey was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday afternoon, but was held without bail because no defense attorney was available. Downey allegedly met a 14-year-old boy on the dating app, Grind then the two moved the conversation to Snapchat, according to a statement of the case provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. The 58-year-old Downey is accused of meeting the boy twice this spring, at different Boston locations, and paying the child for sexual acts. The boy allegedly provided state police detectives with a description of Downey and a partial license plate number which was tracked to a parking area for Boston Police. Investigators also used digital records to track Downey's Snapchat account and claim the boy identified him in a photo lineup with "a 90% certainty." Former Boston Police Academy instructor Sources tell WBZ's I-Team that Downey used to be an instructor at the Boston Police Academy. According to Boston Police, he joined the force in 1991. "These charges are obviously very troubling and our thoughts are with any alleged victims. We have faith in the Massachusetts State Police and the SCDAO to conduct a thorough investigation. The officer was immediately placed on administrative leave," said Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox in a statement. Downey is expected to have an arraignment on Tuesday.
The National
30-04-2025
- Business
- The National
How Abu Dhabi is looking 50 years into the future to shape health care
Abu Dhabi is primed to be at the forefront of a global healthcare revolution, by embracing technology and innovation to examine the root cause of diseases before they can take hold and help people live longer. The emirate is developing an ambitious strategy in which it will serve as a major hub for next-generation pharmaceutical production and become a driving force for precision medicine to support its growing population from birth. The National spoke to key figures in the health sector to get a glimpse of a bold future rapidly taking shape. The Abu Dhabi Biobank – a state-of-the-art centre housing the largest collection of human biomaterials in the region, due to open next year in Masdar City – is to manufacture regenerative medicine products under a partnership with US-based biotechnology company Human Biologics. 'This is very significant,' said Paul Downey, general manager of Abu Dhabi Biobank. 'The signing will allow us to develop regenerative medicine materials and products to assist patients in the UAE. It moves us beyond simply storing tissues and cells – we will now manufacture and make them available for treatment within the country.' Regenerative medicine works by repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs, in an effort to help restore the health of patients rather than merely manage symptoms. The Biobank will now collect, process, and grow tissues and cell samples locally, creating advanced therapeutic products including organoids – miniature versions of human organs – and pioneering 3D tissue printing techniques. 'This is a new technology for the UAE,' Mr Downey said. 'Previously, patients would often have to travel abroad for these types of advanced treatments. Now we are building a registry of cells that are well matched to the UAE's diverse population, increasing the success rates of transplants and treatments.' Leading DNA sequencing company Illumina has partnered with Abu Dhabi to push genomic science to new frontiers. Illumina has sought to drive down the cost of sequencing from $100,000 to just a few hundred dollars, making it far more accessible. 'DNA is the fundamental building block of biology,' said Jacob Thaysen, chief executive of Illumina. 'If you want to understand human beings, or life overall, you need to understand DNA. It provides insights into variants that cause diseases, enabling early intervention and preventive care.' The Department of Health and G42 have sequenced most of the Emirati population, creating one of the largest genome cohorts in the world. 'That's incredibly important because the genomic profile here is different from Europe or the US,' said Mr Thaysen. A new agreement with Abu Dhabi Investment Office and the emirate's Department of Health will be focused on building local capabilities in genomics and AI. Abu Dhabi's health system is being redesigned with the goal of helping its public live longer and healthier lives. Dr Asma Al Mannaei, executive director of the health life sciences sector at the Department of Health, said longevity was central to its vision. She said traditional healthcare models, which focus on treating illness after it arises, are no longer enough. 'We understand now that the situation in delivering healthcare does not really fit repeated crises,' Dr Al Mannaei said. 'The healthcare system is witnessing a transformative change – moving from one-size-fits-all to personalised and efficient care.' Abu Dhabi is leveraging data from the Emirati Genome Programme and cutting-edge digital infrastructure to deliver predictive, tailored healthcare solutions. Dr Al Mannaei expects significant changes in how the healthcare industry operates around the world in the decades to come. 'Within the next 50 years, we are going to witness a transformative change, not only in Abu Dhabi but worldwide,' she said. 'Health care is going to be more personalised and more toward a health-driven approach rather than a treatment-driven one.' Dimitris Moulavasilis, chief executive of Abu Dhabi health tech company M42's global patient care platform, said the capital is shifting away from reactive care toward maintaining health through early intervention. 'Today, with the massive availability of the phenotypic data from the Emirati Genome Programme, we can build population health programmes,' he said. 'We are moving from sick care to health care.' Mr Moulavasilis described a future where health care is integrated across all stages of life – from pre-birth genetic screening to predictive monitoring in old age. 'Health care is going to intervene in all stages of life, ensuring longer, healthier lives,' he said. 'It's extremely important to design population and value-based programmes. Preventive care costs a fraction of treating advanced disease." Abu Dhabi's rapid population growth is also driving major investment in healthcare infrastructure. Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital is expanding, with Dh120 million allocated to increasing capacity and services. The expansion will increase the hospital's bed capacity from 220 to 270, add two new operating theatres, a hybrid theatre, a cath lab and expand maternity and neonatal services. Hein van Eck, chief executive of Mediclinic Middle East, said: 'Abu Dhabi has truly become a fantastic example to the rest of the world of how governments can push new technologies further and faster when they truly back the sector. 'It's a big investment. We realised we needed to invest further to keep pace with the needs of our patients. 'In 50 years, the healthcare ecosystem will look completely different. Hospitals will be smaller, mainly focused on theatre complexes and ICUs, while most patients will be treated at home, remotely monitored with the latest technologies.' However, he stressed that accessible insurance options are vital to supporting an ageing population. 'We need a safety net or a more accessible insurance model if we want to attract more elderly residents,' he said. Abu Dhabi's flourishing health sector is also encouraging a rise in start-up businesses. One success story is FemTech company Ovasave, founded by Majd Abu Zant and Torkia Mahloul in 2023, a digital platform fertility platform designed to make early fertility management more accessible and affordable to all. The company offers licensed at-home tests, egg-freezing packages and access to leading fertility clinics in the UAE, and personalised licensed supplements to support reproductive health. 'Just a few years ago, fertility services were limited and awareness was low across the region,' said Mr Abu Zant. 'Women now have more choices, more information, and greater control over their futures. Ovasave is proud to be part of this national movement, helping to make fertility care not only accessible and affordable, but a fundamental part of women's empowerment.' While important strides have been made, Alisha Moopen, managing director and group chief executive of Aster DM Healthcare, said it was essential that patients are not priced out of services. 'I think what the UAE, starting with Abu Dhabi, then Dubai, and now the Northern Emirates, has done over the last 10 years by making insurance mandatory has been the biggest win for healthcare in our communities,' she said. 'Health care needs to be democratised. Everyone should have access – it's a basic human right. The private sector plays a crucial role in creating sustainable models that make healthcare more affordable, scalable, and accessible.' Ms Moopen stressed the need to instil healthy habits early in life. 'We should have PE every day, just like maths, to build a lifelong discipline around health, nutrition and fitness,' she said.
