International Speakers
Prof. Ashutosh Wechalekar
Professor of Medicine and Haematology [linebreak] University College London, [linebreak] United Kingdom
Prof. Ashutosh Wechalekar
Professor of Medicine and Haematology [linebreak] University College London, [linebreak] United KingdomAshutosh Wechalekar is Professor of Medicine and Haematology at University College London and Honorary Consultant Haematologist at University College London Hospital/Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. His clinical and research is focused on complex plasma cell disorders with a particular interest in systemic amyloidosis and monoclonal gammopathy related. He leads the AL amyloidosis program for UK. His is the director of the Jack O’Neil Amyloidosis laboratory which is focused on amyloid typing and genomics. His research interests including prognosis and novel treatments for AL amyloidosis, defining the developing spectrum of MGCS and nuclear imaging in amyloidosis. He has been a board member of international myeloma and kidney group, international society of amyloidosis and amyloidosis research consortium. He leads on several national and international clinical trials in AL amyloidosis and myeloma and has published extensively in the respective areas.
Dr. Alfadel Alshaibani
Consultant Hematologist, Stem Cell and Cellular therapy [linebreak] King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center [linebreak] Saudi Arabia
Dr. Alfadel Alshaibani
Consultant Hematologist, Stem Cell and Cellular therapy [linebreak] King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center [linebreak] Saudi ArabiaConsultant hematology, stem cell and cellular therapy. Head of virtual care department at King Faisal Specialist Hospital. Director of hematology clerkship & Assistant professor at Alfaisal University.
Dr. Angelo Vescovi
Professor Cell Biology [linebreak] Link Campus University of Rome [linebreak] Switzerland
Dr. Angelo Vescovi
Professor Cell Biology [linebreak] Link Campus University of Rome [linebreak] SwitzerlandAngelo Luigi Vescovi, is an associate professors of Cell Biology at the University of Milan Bicocca and the Director of Research for the Hospital IRCCS CSS and Institute for Human Genetics G. Mendel in Rome. He is the President of the Italian Committee on Bioethics of the Prime Minister of Italy. He worked at the University of Calgary from 1991 to 1993 with Prof. Samuel Weiss, participating in the initial discovery of brain stem cells in the adult brain. He spent the last three decades to investigate the regulation of cell fate, proliferation, differentiation and plasticity in neural stem cells and is translating neural stem cell biology into innovative therapies for brain disorders. He introduced the concept of systemic delivery of neural stem cell for the therapy of multiple sclerosis, has shown the existence of cancer stem cells in malignant human gliomas and proposed a novel, potential biotherapy for human malignant tumors. He was the principal investigator for the first phase I clinical trial for ALS and in MS with intracerebral implantation of brain stem cells and for the use of pro-differentiation therapy in glioblastomas. Vescovi was a scientific consultant for the Pontifical Academy for Sciences of the State of Vatican and for the Select Committee on Stem Cells of the House of Lords (England) and for the European Commission. He has given over 100 invited international lectures and was an invited speaker at the World Economic Forum and European Economic Forum. He published over 200 articles in leading scientific journals.
Ms. Colleen Dansereau
Senior Director Clinical Research Nursing, Gene Therapy Program and Emerging Therapies [linebreak] Boston Children's Hospital [linebreak] United States
Ms. Colleen Dansereau
Senior Director Clinical Research Nursing, Gene Therapy Program and Emerging Therapies [linebreak] Boston Children's Hospital [linebreak] United StatesMs. Dansereau is an experienced nurse leader with over 40 years of experience in pediatric nursing. Her clinical expertise is in the specialty of hematology, oncology, and cell and gene therapies. Over the past 20 years, she has focused her career within the clinical research setting, where she has led multidisciplinary teams in the development of novel therapies and innovative treatments for pediatric indications. In her current role, she is the Senior Director of Operations for the Gene Therapy Program and the Office of Emerging Medical Discoveries at Boston Children’s, where she provides oversight for the nursing, clinical management, and operations of one of the largest pediatric gene and cell therapy programs in the United States. She is also the Senior Director of the Clinical Research Nursing Program at Boston Children’s\Dana Farber Center for Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Prof. Catherine Bollard
Professor Of Pediatrics and Immunology [linebreak] Children's National, George Washington University [linebreak] United States
Prof. Catherine Bollard
Professor Of Pediatrics and Immunology [linebreak] Children's National, George Washington University [linebreak] United StatesDr. Bollard received her medical degree at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. She is board certified both in pediatrics and hematology. In August 2013, she was recruited from Baylor College of Medicine to Washington, DC, to develop a novel cell therapies program at Children’s National Hospital and George Washington University. She is currently the Bosworth Chair for Cancer Biology, Director of the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research at Children’s National Hospital. She is a Professor of Pediatrics and the Associate Center Director for Translational Research and Innovation at the GW Cancer Center. Dr. Bollard is a past president of the International Society for Cellular Therapy, and the current President of the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy. She previously served on the Cellular, Tissues, and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee of the FDA. She is currently Editor in Chief of Blood Advances. She has >250 peer reviewed publications and has been independently NIH funded for over 15 years. Her bench and translational research focuses on the development of novel cell therapies for cancer and virus-associated diseases.
Dr. Daniel Couriel
Director, Transplantation and Cellular Therapy[linebreak]Huntsman Cancer Institute. University of Utah[linebreak]United States
Dr. Daniel Couriel
Director, Transplantation and Cellular Therapy[linebreak]Huntsman Cancer Institute. University of Utah[linebreak]United StatesI am the Director of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah. I am a tenure-track Professor and hold the HCI Endowed Professorship in Adult Leukemia Research. My area of research has focused on the diagnosis, prevention and innovative therapies for both acute and chronic GVHD. My clinical research career started in 1999 at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, continued at the University of Michigan and now in my current position. I was co-Chair for the GVHD subcommittee in the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (2014-2018), and the Ancillary and Supportive Care Subcommittee of the NIH Consensus for Clinical Trials in chronic GVHD. I am in the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), where I have served as an inspector and on several different committees for the last several years. I became particularly interested in expanding our limited access to new cellular therapies to the community and also globally, to areas with the higher levels of inequities.
Prof. David Marks
Professor Of Haematology and Sct [linebreak] University Of Bristol [linebreak] United Kingdom
Prof. David Marks
Professor Of Haematology and Sct [linebreak] University Of Bristol [linebreak] United KingdomProfessor David I Marks MB BS PhD FRACP FRCPath is Professor of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation. He received his medical education at the University of Melbourne and his clinical training largely at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He then moved to London for further training in stem cell transplantation with Professor John Goldman at the Hammersmith Hospital followed by a three-year stint in Philadelphia as Assistant Professor in Haematology/Oncology. He returned to the UK in 1996 and was appointed to a consultant position in the Bristol Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) Unit (which he directed) and in 2007 a Chair at the University of Bristol. Professor Marks’ research focuses on clinical aspects of stem cell transplantation, ALL, CAR T cells and infection. In 1999 he worked to initiate the first national transplant trials group and chaired the BSBMT CTC for 5 years. He was Lead Clinician of the Bristol BMT Unit from 2003–9 and 2014 until 2017. He has a major interest in inotuzumab ozagamicin, authoring several publications, and he co-authored a review on T-cell ALL in adults in Blood. In 2010 he chaired the ASH ALL education session. He was Transplant Coordinator and Deputy Chair of The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) ALL working group, and previously President of the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BSBMT) and received a long service award for his work for BSBMT. He was a Member of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Practice Guidelines Committee and Vice Chair (Europe) of the Advisory Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. For 4 years he was appointed Medical Director of IMPACT UK, the national transplant trials group. His work as a clinical expert to 3 NICE panels have been associated with the approval of tisagenlecleucel, inotuzumab and brexucabtagene, More recently he has been continuing giving advice as a senior member of the paediatric and adult CAR T and ALL panels, as well as continuing as part of the NCRI ALL group and EWALL. Professor Marks continues to consult with and offer advice to a number of pharmaceutical companies in the areas of ALL and CAR T cells.
Dr. David Wald
Ceo[linebreak]Kure.ai[linebreak]United States
Dr. David Wald
Ceo[linebreak]Kure.ai[linebreak]United StatesIn addition to my lab research efforts, I also serve as a co-program leader for the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Immune Oncology Program to assist with immune oncology research efforts at our cancer center. I am also a co-director of our institutional Hematopoietic Biorepository and Cell Therapy Shared Resource (HBCT) that performs GMP cell manufacturing.
Dr. Farhatulla Syed
Senior Scientist and Head of Advance Cell and Gene Therapy [linebreak] KFSHRC [linebreak] Saudi Arabia
Dr. Farhatulla Syed
Senior Scientist and Head of Advance Cell and Gene Therapy [linebreak] KFSHRC [linebreak] Saudi ArabiaDr. Farhatullah Syed leads the Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) Section at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Riyadh, KSA. With over 16 years of experience from bench to clinic, he has contributed significantly to the field, authoring over 80 publications in high-impact journals and leading numerous UK-funded projects. At University College London, Dr. Syed pioneered multiple First-In-Human clinical trials using personalized cell and gene therapies and advanced genome editing. Presently at KFSH&RC, Dr. Syed’s team is at the forefront of innovation, and developing In house POC manufacturing of clinical grade vector, autologous and allogenic CAR T cells through CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing and various cell therapy ATIMPs. His research centers on the genetic manipulation of immune and stem cells, progressing from In-Vitro and In-Vivo models to clinical phase I trials. Additionally, his work at KFSHRC exploring next-generation mRNA based next generation CGTs.
Dr. Franziska Watcher
Attending Physician Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant[linebreak]Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center[linebreak]United States
Dr. Franziska Watcher
Attending Physician Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant[linebreak]Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center[linebreak]United StatesDr. Wachter is a physician-scientist combining compassionate, leading-edge care of children with high-risk myeloid malignancies with innovative research in experimental therapeutics. She earned her M.D. from Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany, graduating summa cum laude from Irmela Jeremia’s laboratory, where she explored mechanisms of chemoresistance and p53 reactivation in response to the extrinsic apoptotic pathway agonist TRAIL. Dr. Wachter began her postdoctoral training in Loren Walensky’s lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she focused on interrogating BCL-2 family protein biology through the lens of chemical biology. She completed her pediatric residency and pediatric oncology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, followed by postdoctoral training in Eric Fischer’s lab, where she honed her expertise in structural biology. Her research program is focused on using modern structural biology with the goal to target aberrant transcription in myeloid malignancies. Clinically, Dr. Wachter specializes in pediatric stem cell transplantation, with a focus on difficult-to-treat myeloid leukemias. Her clinical research is dedicated to the role of novel therapeutics in controlling disease before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, including leading a trial on decitabine-enhanced graft versus leukemia effect.
Dr. George Coukos
Director Oncology Department, Director Ludwig Institute Lausanne Branch[linebreak]Lausanne University Hospital and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne[linebreak]Switzerland
Dr. George Coukos
Director Oncology Department, Director Ludwig Institute Lausanne Branch[linebreak]Lausanne University Hospital and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne[linebreak]SwitzerlandGeorge Coukos is a pioneer in the development, delivery and evaluation of personalized, cell-based immunotherapies. In Lausanne, George Coukos built the Department of Oncology and the Lausanne Ludwig Branch. He founded and directs the Human Integrated Tumor Immunology Discovery Engine (Hi-TIDe), an innovative research group of structured team science, oriented towards targeted human discovery and the development and testing of novel and rational T-cell therapy approaches for solid tumors. His most current research efforts focus on (a) identifying T cells recognizing tumor-specific neoantigens and leveraging them for therapy, and (b) systems biology and systems engineering of neoantigen specific T cells, as a means to overcome the deregulation of T cells in the TME, and thus develop curative individualized T cell therapies for solid tumors, with the ultimate goal of translating basic discoveries to the clinic.
Helen Sabzevari
President & CEO at Precigen [linebreak] United States
Helen Sabzevari
President & CEO at Precigen [linebreak] United StatesDr. Helen Sabzevari is President and CEO of Precigen, a gene and cell therapy company, and member of the Precigen Board of Directors and Kinnate Board of Directors. Dr. Sabzevari brings extensive expertise in research and development of immunotherapy-based therapeutics as well as experience translating novel treatments from pre-clinical stage into the clinic. From 2015 to 2017, Dr. Sabzevari co-founded and served as Chief Scientific Officer of Compass Therapeutics, a fully[1]integrated drug discovery and development company focused on manipulating the immune system to treat human disease. From 2008 to 2014, Dr. Sabzevari served as Senior Vice President of Immuno-Oncology as well as Global Head of Immunotherapy, Oncology, Global Research and Early Development at Merck KGaA/EMD Serono, Darmstadt, Germany. During her tenure, she led the immuno-oncology discovery and early development translational innovation platform and brought forward numerous pre-clinical and clinical assets including avelumab, an approved anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitor. From 1998 to 2008, Dr. Sabzevari led the Molecular Immunology Group at the Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology at the US National Cancer Institute (LTIB-NCI), where she was focused on design, development and delivery of novel vaccines and immunotherapies for a range of human cancers.
Prof. Inoue Haruhisa
Deputy Director And Professor [linebreak] Center For iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University [linebreak] Japan
Prof. Inoue Haruhisa
Deputy Director And Professor [linebreak] Center For iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University [linebreak] JapanHaruhisa Inoue is a pioneer in the field of iPSC-based drug discovery and, currently, is deputy director and head of the Department of Fundamental Cell Technology at the Center for iPSC Research and Application (CiRA) of Kyoto University and a principal investigator at RIKEN.
Dr. Javier Briones
Director Hematology Service [linebreak] Hospital Sant Pau. Carreras Research Institute [linebreak] Spain
Dr. Javier Briones
Director Hematology Service [linebreak] Hospital Sant Pau. Carreras Research Institute [linebreak] SpainDr. Javier Briones is Director of the Hematology Service at the Sant Pau Hospital (Barcelona). Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Barcelona. He was a Postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University (USA), in Ron Levy's laboratory, where he carried out gene therapy projects with recombinant viruses and immunotherapy in lymphoma. His areas of scientific interest are: cellular and gene immunotherapy, vaccination with dendritic and NKT cells and adoptive immunotherapy with CAR T-cells. Currently, he is also Director of the Cellular Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy Program at the Sant Pau Research Institute and Head of the Multidisciplinary CART Therapy Unit. Principal investigator of national and European CART projects, as well as leading researcher of the academic CART30 and memory-CART19development project that have resulted in pioneering clinical trials in Europe
Prof. Jaap Jan Boelens
Chief Attending[linebreak]Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center[linebreak]United States
Prof. Jaap Jan Boelens
Chief Attending[linebreak]Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center[linebreak]United StatesI have a special interest in rare diseases as indications for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT), particularly lysosomal storage diseases, and in finding strategies to get better disease control in malignant diseases. My research focuses on developing advanced therapies from cord blood to target blood disorders at the cellular level, including dendritic cell vaccines. My lab is also creating mathematical models that can help us predict how a young person’s immune system will respond to receiving such treatments. Additionally, I am interested in designing a predictable low-toxicity conditioning regimen using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD)-models (eg, anti-thymocyte globuline [ATG], fludarabine, clofarabine) to better predict immune reconstitution, which is necessary for the optimal effect of vaccines. At MSK, I also serve as Director of the Immune Discovery & Modeling Service (IDMS) core facility (7FTE, 3 Fellows).
Prof. Josu De La Fuente
Consultant Haematologist & Director BMT Programme[linebreak]Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust[linebreak]United Kingdom
Prof. Josu De La Fuente
Consultant Haematologist & Director BMT Programme[linebreak]Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust[linebreak]United KingdomJosu de la Fuente is a Consultant Haematologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Professor of Practice (Cellular and Gene Therapies) of Imperial College London. He was appointed Director of the Paediatric Blood & Marrow Transplant Programme in 2006, specialising in transplantation for haemoglobinopathies and bone marrow failure, and being innovative in the use of alternative donors. He is the Secretary of the Haemoglobinopathy Working Party of EBMT & Co-Director of the Vanderbilt Global Haplo-identical learning collaborative for Cure (VGC2). He is principal investigator and member of the steering committee of several gene therapy trials in sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.
Prof. Kenji Osufoune
Deputy Director / Professor[linebreak]Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University[linebreak]Japan
Prof. Kenji Osufoune
Deputy Director / Professor[linebreak]Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University[linebreak]JapanDr. Osafune graduated from Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, in 1996. He completed his nephrology residency in Kyoto University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals. In 2000, he started basic research on kidney development and regeneration at Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo (Prof. Makoto Asashima), then he worked on pancreatic regeneration using hESCs/iPSCs as a postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Douglas A. Melton at Harvard University. He became Principal Investigator at Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, in 2008 and was appointed Professor at CiRA in 2014. He is on the editorial board of Differentiation and StemJournal. He has published original articles in international journals including, Nature Biotechnology, Nature Chemical Biology, Nature Communications, Cell, Cell Stem Cell, Cell Reports, Cell Chemical Biology and Science Translational Medicine. His major research interests are the development of regenerative therapies against kidney diseases, diabetes and liver diseases.
Dr. Leslie Lehamnn
Clinical Director of Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant[linebreak]Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital
Dr. Leslie Lehamnn
Clinical Director of Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant[linebreak]Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s HospitalDr. Lehmann attended Harvard College and received her MD from Duke University Medical School, where, after finishing a pediatric residency, she spent a year as chief resident. She completed a pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship at DFCI/Children's Hospital Boston and subsequently joined the faculty. Currently, she is an Associate professor in the Division of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation at Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Boston Children’s Hospital and the Associate Program Director for Education/Training and Quality. She has a long-standing interest in global health and has worked to develop pediatric oncology programs in Baghdad, Mexico and Rwanda and a fellowship training program in Cairo at the world’s largest pediatric oncology hospital . She is currently collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell institute to build their pediatric stem cell transplant capacity.
Prof. Makoto Ikeya
Associate Professor [linebreak]CiRA, Kyoto University[linebreak]Japan
Prof. Makoto Ikeya
Associate Professor [linebreak]CiRA, Kyoto University[linebreak]JapanEducation 1996 Graduated from Faculty of Science, Kyoto University 1998 M.Sc., Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University 1998 JSPS Research Fellowship for Young Scientists,(DC1) 2001 Ph.D., Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University 2001 Researcher, RIKEN 2007 Research Fellow of Basic Science, RIKEN 2009 Associate Professor, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University 2010 Researcher, Institute for Frontier Medical Science, Kyoto University 2011 Associate Professor, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University Honors and Awards January 2018 5th CiRA Prize February 2018 Murao Scholarship Association Academic Encouragement Prize March 2018 Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine Award June 2018 German Innovation Award Gottfried Wagener Prize April 2019 Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Dr. Majid Kazmi
Consultant Haemato-Oncologist [linebreak] Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust [linebreak] United Kingdom
Dr. Majid Kazmi
Consultant Haemato-Oncologist [linebreak] Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust [linebreak] United KingdomDr Kazmi qualified from the University of Aberdeen in 1991 with Commendation, he is a member of European group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), International Myeloma Society, Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management and American Society of Haematology (ASH). He has been a consultant since 2001 at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust (GSTT). He is transplant director of the Private London Bridge Hospital Programme and attends at King’s College Hospital transplant unit. His clinic interests are myeloma and HSCT for auto-immune diseases. He is currently Director of Innovation for Cancer and Surgery at GSTT. He has supported the work of NICE in providing expert advice to support technology appraisals in myeloma. He sits on the board of 3 start-up companies.
Dr. Murtadha Al-Khabori
Associate Professor [linebreak] Sultan Qaboos University [linebreak] Oman
Dr. Murtadha Al-Khabori
Associate Professor [linebreak] Sultan Qaboos University [linebreak] OmanDr. Murtadha A-Khabori is an associate professor (Sultan Qaboos University) and a senior consultant hematologist at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. He received hematology and bone marrow transplant training at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Canada and Research Training at McMaster University, Canada. He is an associate editor of Oman Medical Journal and has over 119 peer-reviewed publications in regional and international journals. He focuses on MPNs, acute leukemias and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
Dr. Mohamed Hamieh
Assistant Professor[linebreak]Weill Cornell Medicine[linebreak]United States
Dr. Mohamed Hamieh
Assistant Professor[linebreak]Weill Cornell Medicine[linebreak]United StatesDr. Hamieh is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and a member of the Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. He earned his Ph.D. from Rouen University Hospital in France after completing his undergraduate studies at the Lebanese University in Lebanon. Dr. Hamieh completed his postdoctoral training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the lab of Dr. Michel Sadelain. Dr. Hamieh's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms of response and resistance to adoptive cell therapies, with the goal of developing efficient and safe targeted T-cell therapies.
Dr. Panagiotis Kottaridis
Consultant Haematologist[linebreak]University College London Hospitals[linebreak]United Kingdom
Dr. Panagiotis Kottaridis
Consultant Haematologist[linebreak]University College London Hospitals[linebreak]United KingdomDr Panos Kottaridis is a Consultant Haematologist in Leukaemia/MDS, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular therapies at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He is also leading the Leukaemia Service at UCLH which is the largest Leukaemia Programme in Europe in clinical/academic activity. His main academic and clinical interests focus on prognostication of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Late Effects of chemotherapy/infertility in chemo and stem cell recipients and immunotherapies. He is a member of the National Cancer Research Network (Former MRC) working party for AML since 2004 and has published more than 80 papers in peer reviewed journals. His work has attracted more than 7000 citations. He has also contributed with 2 chapters in Haematology textbooks. He is an enthusiastic teacher and lecturer.
Prof. Rafat Abounour
Director Of Hematologic Malignancy Program[linebreak]Indiana University Health[linebreak]United States
Prof. Rafat Abounour
Director Of Hematologic Malignancy Program[linebreak]Indiana University Health[linebreak]United StatesI have been active in clinical research since I joined Indiana University School of Medicine in 1995 and my work has been published in Nature Medicine and New England Journal of Medicine among others. My Role as a leader of the Multiple Myeloma program has allowed me to participate in practice changing research using IMID's and Proteasome inhibitors. I have facilitated clinical research at IU Simon Cancer Center and IU School as the Medical director of clinical research and the associated dean for clinical research. I have focused on Myeloma and with the help of the IU Grand Challenge Grant we are putting together the infrastructure to support highly competitive team of researchers and conduct research aimed at preventing myeloma and improving the treatment of those suffering from the disease especially those with high-risk disease where both remission and survival durations are short. I am also active with the international Myeloma Foundation and the American Society of Hematology (ASH). My outside collaborations have focused on disease registries in order to understand the course of multiple myeloma in the real world. I am the chair of the steering committee of one registry (Connect MM) and member of the steering committee of another (Insight). My collaboration with ASH is focused on database harmonization and developing a large set of patients’ data housed in a one hub. This hub will provide the foundation for better understanding of the natural course of multiple myeloma.
Local Speakers
Dr. Ahsan Zahid
Consultant Pulmonologist[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab Emirates
Dr. Ahsan Zahid
Consultant Pulmonologist[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab EmiratesI am Dr Ahsan Zahid, currently working as Consultant Pulmonologist at ADSCC. I had my higher specialty training in Respiratory and General internal Medicine at Wes Midlands region of England. I am Fellow and Member of Royal College of Physicians. I have special interest in difficult asthma, sleep disordered breathing and utility of regenerative medicine in managing chronic lung diseases.
Dr. Amir Fazil
Consultant Family Medicine[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab Emirates
Dr. Amir Fazil
Consultant Family Medicine[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab EmiratesDr. Amir Fazil is a Consultant in Family Medicine and currently serves as the Lead for Regenerative Medicine, as well as the Head of the Department of Family Medicine at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC). With over 17 years of experience in public health and clinical practice, Dr. Fazil has developed robust expertise in public health policy, health services evaluation, and the management of chronic conditions. Dr. Fazil is a board-certified family physician, holding qualifications from both the British and Australian Royal Colleges. He earned a Master's degree in Public Health with Merit from the University of Sydney, which further enhances his capabilities in addressing complex health issues within diverse populations. At ADSCC, Dr. Fazil has received specialized training in the clinical applications of stem cells in regenerative medicine, positioning him at the forefront of this innovative field. His commitment to advancing regenerative therapies is complemented by a passion for improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices. Throughout his career, Dr. Fazil has been dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing health service delivery, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and effective care. With a focus on utilizing cutting-edge techniques and research, Dr. Amir Fazil continues to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of family medicine and regenerative health
Dr. Bindiya Jhamb
Consultant Gynaecologist and Chairperson surgical Specialities[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre[linebreak]United Arab Emirates
Dr. Bindiya Jhamb
Consultant Gynaecologist and Chairperson surgical Specialities[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre[linebreak]United Arab EmiratesDr. Bindiya Jhamb is a British board-certified consultant gynecologist with extensive training in the United Kingdom. With 20 years of experience in gynecology and obstetrics, Dr. Jhamb currently serves as the Surgical Chair and Consultant Gynecologist at Yas Clinic in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, where she leads efforts in gynecological regenerative medicine. Before relocating to the UAE in June 2016, Dr. Jhamb held consultant positions at the prestigious Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. She was the Lead Consultant for Early Pregnancy Units in these hospitals in the UK and was instrumental in establishing numerous services across various hospitals. An accomplished author and speaker, Dr. Jhamb has several national and international publications and presentations to her name. She serves as an invited reviewer for international journal articles and is an executive editor for the Pan Asia Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Additionally, she is an active member of the CALMED (Collaborative Action in Lowering Maternal Deaths) charity project, sponsored by Rotary International, and was nominated as the principal investigator for the GEM 3 Trial at Nottingham University Hospitals in 2016. Dr. Jhamb contributes to the medical community as a faculty member for the MRCOG examination with the RCOG. She is dedicated to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in both the UAE and the UK.
Dr. Carlos Valverde
Senior Research Scientist[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab Emirates
Dr. Carlos Valverde
Senior Research Scientist[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab EmiratesDr. Carlos Villegas Valverde is a distinguished medical doctor with extensive expertise in the fields of family medicine, immunology, and oncology. He earned his medical degree from the Higher Institute of Medical Sciences of Havana, Cuba, in 1999 and further specialized in Family Medicine in 2002. Additionally, he completed his Immunology degrees (First and Second Degree) at the University of Medical Sciences of Havana in 2011. Dr. Valverde holds two master’s degrees, one in Medical Education (2008), another in Infectious Diseases (2007), and a PhD in Medical Sciences (2020), showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and specialization. He served as an Associate Professor of Immunology at Havana Medical Sciences University. Dr. Valverde is recognized as an Associate Researcher at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology of Havana, where his expertise has contributed significantly to the field of immuno-oncology research. In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Valverde is an International Specialist in Flow Cytometry (SCYM). This certification attests to his proficiency in advanced diagnostic techniques, further enhancing his contributions to the field of immnuno-oncology.
Dr. Milad Mansour
Nutrigenomics Specialist[linebreak]Yas Clinic[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab Emirates
Dr. Milad Mansour
Nutrigenomics Specialist[linebreak]Yas Clinic[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab EmiratesDr. Milad Mansoori is an accredited clinical dietitian with extensive experience in nutrigenomics, diabetes management, obesity, renal diseases, and sports nutrition, among other domains. Known for providing personalized diet and treatment plans based on DNA testing, Dr. Mansoori evaluates the medical nutrition therapy needs of patients with conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and those undergoing bariatric surgery. With a Master of Science in Diabetes from the University of Leicester, UK, Dr. Mansoori is dedicated to advancing patient care, making him a distinguished clinical dietitian.
Dr. Muhammed Abu-Haleeqa
Hematologist Bone Marrow Transplant , Chair Of Academic Affairs[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab Emirates
Dr. Muhammed Abu-Haleeqa
Hematologist Bone Marrow Transplant , Chair Of Academic Affairs[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab EmiratesDr. Mohamed Abuhaleeqa is a highly respected hematologist specializing in leukemia and bone marrow transplant at ADSCC in Abu Dhabi. He earned his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He furthered his training with a fellowship in hematology, leukemia, and bone marrow transplant at the British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver, Canada. With over 17 years of experience, Dr. Abuhaleeqa has made significant contributions to the field. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and has played a pivotal role in establishing the first Hematology Fellowship program in Abu Dhabi, where he previously served as director. Currently, he chairs the Academic Affairs at ADSCC and is a member of the Emirati Board for Hematology at the National Institute of Health Services. His clinical interests encompass benign hematology, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), leukemia, multiple myeloma, and bone marrow transplant. Dr. Abuhaleeqa is actively involved in regional and international hematology committees, and he is a member of prominent organizations such as the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Transplantation. Fluent in both English and Arabic, Dr. Abuhaleeqa is dedicated to advancing the field of hematology and enhancing patient care.
Dr. Zeshan Riaz
Consultant Gastroenterologist[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab Emirates
Dr. Zeshan Riaz
Consultant Gastroenterologist[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center[linebreak]United Arab EmiratesDr. Riaz is a dual accredited British trained physician. He is practicing as a consultant gastroenterologist. His special interests include advanced endoscopy including complex inflammatory bowel disease patients. He is particularly interested in regenerative and cellular medicine and developing cures with the help of cellular therapies.
Prof. Dmitry Chudakov
Research Scientist[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center & Pirogov University[linebreak]Russian Federation
Prof. Dmitry Chudakov
Research Scientist[linebreak]Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center & Pirogov University[linebreak]Russian FederationSpecialist in the field of adaptive immunity, co-author of more than 170 papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, a number of international patents. Hirsch index - 74, citations - 24,000. Participated in more than 50 international conferences. Developed the first-in-class drug for targeted therapy of an autoimmune disease – Ankylosing spondylitis, based on a monoclonal antibody to the segment of the T-cell receptor TRBV9. The drug Tribuvia (Seniprutug) has passed clinical trials and is approved for use, manufactured by Biocad. Developed molecular methods and data analysis algorithms for studying the repertoires of adaptive immunity receptors: T-cell receptors and antibodies. Researched fundamental patterns of development and organization of adaptive immunity in health and disease, patterns of aging of adaptive immunity. Researched various aspects of application of T-cell receptor and antibody repertoire analysis in medical practice, molecular mechanisms of development of autoimmune diseases, interactions between tumors and the immune system. Developed a palette of fluorescent proteins and a number of methods for their application in biomedical research, widely used today in scientific laboratories and pharmaceutical companies around the world, described the mechanism of reversible photoactivation of fluorescent proteins.
Mrs. Hiba Abdelrahman
Nurse Manager - Inpatient and Bmt Units [linebreak] Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center [linebreak] United Arab Emirates
Mrs. Hiba Abdelrahman
Nurse Manager - Inpatient and Bmt Units [linebreak] Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center [linebreak] United Arab EmiratesHiba Abdelrahman Holds BSN in nursing from university of Wollongong-Dubai, with Masters in business administration, trained in UAE throughout the 21 years experience in nursing, 10 years experience in management positions( acting CNO- Yas clinic, Deputy Director of Nursing, Unit Manager - BMT yas clinic, Unit manager/patient coordinator - SKMC), active member of the Oncology nursing society- ANCC accredited certifying body, 17 years experience in hematology nursing and 5 years experience in BMT nursing. Well experienced RN, provides daily mentoring and support to all departments in YCKC-ADSCC.
Mr. Jonas Abad
Picu Registered Nurse[linebreak]Yas Clinic Khalifa City[linebreak]United Arab Emirates
Mr. Jonas Abad
Picu Registered Nurse[linebreak]Yas Clinic Khalifa City[linebreak]United Arab EmiratesI am Jonas Villanueva Abad, a Critical Care Nurse working in Yas Clinic Khalifa City. Taking care of BMT patients especially during their most vulnerable moments, is very challenging yet so fulfilling. The ultimate goal is not only to give cure but also care and comfort to our patients. Nurses, along with other healthcare professionals are integral parts of one’s recovery.
