ADR Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Cytori Cell Research Institute, Inc., has signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate with the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center on a joint clinical trial for a “90-minute complete stem cell therapy.” This partnership aims to foster medical innovation in the Middle East and offer new hope to patients suffering from intractable diseases that are difficult to treat.

Traditional stem cell therapy typically requires harvested cells to be cultured in a dedicated facility for several weeks to months, leading to high costs and long waiting times. In contrast, ADR Therapeutics’ Cellution System purifies non-cultured cells from a patient’s tissue within just 90 minutes, allowing for treatment on the same day as collection. This method is particularly beneficial for conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetic foot lesions, Crohn’s disease, and chronic pain.

The use of the patient’s own cells significantly reduces the risk of rejection, while eliminating the need for a culture process decreases the possibility of infection. With the medical and healthcare sector identified as a crucial area in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom aims to establish itself as a leading medical hub globally.

As the prevalence of diabetes and other chronic diseases rises in the Middle East due to lifestyle changes, many cases are becoming difficult to manage with conventional therapies. The strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Japan is expected to strengthen the integration of advanced stem cell therapy technology to address local medical challenges.

A key advantage of this treatment is that it can be administered at standard medical institutions without requiring advanced culture facilities or specialized technicians. This accessibility is anticipated to enhance the delivery of advanced regenerative medicine in areas with limited specialized resources, significantly improving overall access to medical care. Additionally, local Saudi medical professionals are set to receive the latest stem cell therapy techniques through direct guidance from specialized Japanese doctors.