AGU participates in global study on SCD

Manama, Jan. 28 (BNA): The second phase of the International Clinical Researches Project has been successfully completed. The project is the biggest global practical study on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), in which the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) is a key partner, The project was conducted under the direct supervision of “Moods Therapeutic Company”, a subsidiary of Karolinska University in Sweden. The second phase focused on finding alternative treatments for SCD patients, after the “Isoprene” was tested on 401 SCD patients from the participating countries in the project, including 20 patients from Bahrain. AGU President Dr. Khalid bin Abdulrahman Al Ohaly said the university’s participation in the second phase of the project proves the high international level AGU has achieved in the field of international medical and clinical research. Dr. Al Ohaly affirmed that this achievement serves the societies of Bahrain and the GCC region, as it is dedicated to developing alternative treatments for SCD; highly required medications that do not cause any side effects. The president appreciated the important role played by Health Ministry, which positively interacted with the project through Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), leaving a big impact on the success of the second phase of the international clinical research project. He underlined that such strategic partnership between AGU and public health institutions, such as the Supreme Council of Health and the National Health Regulatory Authority, are essential for the success of international researches and studies that aim to develop innovative solutions and cures to the main medical cases and concerns. The official also added that the project is the biggest globally in the field of practical studies conducted on SCD. Clinical Researches Head in AGU Dr. Adel Mathkoor explained that the development project of Isoprene has gone through key stages that include testing it on SCD patients of different medical conditions. He said the results of the tests are currently being documented and analysed in order to review it during the European Hematology Association Conference to be held next June. Dr. Mathkoor also said that the participation of the university and Health Ministry in the programme is considered as a remarkable achievement, being an important strategic partner in the success of such an international project. He expressed appreciation to the cooperating local parties, mentioning the Hereditary Blood Disorder Centre in SMC, appreciating its role in the success of the project. Besides Bahrain, the participating countries in the project were Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon, Turkey, the Netherlands and Jamaica. The third phase will include 30 countries and will include more SCD patients.