DuBiotech and DOHMS discuss biotechnology regulations

DuBiotech and the Department of Health and Medical Services are working closely together to develop new legislation to regulate commercial activities in the biotechnology sector.

DOHMS officials led by Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General of DOHMS, met with Abdullatif Almulla, CEO, TECOM Investments, Dr. Abdulqader Alkhayat, Executive Director, DuBiotech, and scientists from DuBiotech. The DOHMS officials also toured the premises of the private cord blood cell bank Cryo-Save Arabia.

Cryo Save, the largest and longest-established private stem cell bank in Europe, has set up the private cord blood cell bank licensed by DuBiotech.

During the meeting, Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, DOHMS Director General, expressed Dubai's keenness to support the growth of the biotech industry and praised DuBiotech's vision for accelerating the growth of the life sciences sector in the region.

Dr. Abdulqader Al Khayat, Executive Director, DuBiotech, said: "We are working closely with the health authorities for the development of UAE's biotechnology industry. Our aim is to benchmark Dubai's regulatory framework and practices against those of the US, Canada, EU, Japan, and Singapore."

"We have completed the comprehensive regulatory framework for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry in partnership with the Research Triangle Institute International (RTI). DuBiotech has also developed comprehensive Codes of Practice (COPs) based on international best practices, covering all activities related to clinical research and clinical trials, manufacturing and environment, health and safety."

Dr. Mehdi Al Hassani, Managing Director of Cryo-Save Arabia said: "It is imperative that the biotechnology industry moves forward by implementing stringent rules and regulations to have the world's best practices. Although cord blood stem cell banking is in its infancy in the UAE, it has certainly been established within the right framework. This will surely help the industry grow."

The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, a member of TECOM Investments, combines 100% tax exemptions, other financial incentives, an investment-friendly climate, specialised high-quality infrastructure and business-enabling services to attract major biotechnology players and accelerate industry development. DuBiotech will be the centre of excellence in biotechnology, bridging research, education and industry through national and international collaboration.