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Global Expansion of Umbilical Cord–Derived Cell Therapies Starting from the UAE

Human Life CORD Japan Inc. (HLC), a clinical-stage Japanese biotechnology company developing regenerative cell therapies based on umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) announces a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Biobank (“ADBB”), a strategic initiative between the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, and global healthcare leader M42, to localize the development and clinical application of UC-MSC therapies in Abu Dhabi.



This agreement further advances the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) signed in March 2026 and represents an important milestone in supporting the development and broader adoption of cell therapies across the UAE and the wider Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) region. Through these efforts, the partnership is expected to contribute to strengthening the UAE’s international position in advanced healthcare, life sciences, and precision medicine.

The collaboration brings together Abu Dhabi Biobank’s large-scale biobanking, advanced capabilities and translational research infrastructure with HLC’s proprietary UC-MSC manufacturing and quality control technologies, clinical development expertise and preclinical research knowledge. The collaboration aims to accelerate regionally relevant, tailor-made regenerative therapies that address priority health challenges across the UAE and the wider MENA region.

Within the framework of this partnership, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi further reinforces its commitment to supporting innovative research and expanding access to life-saving treatments by enabling the utilization of public cord blood banking services offered by ADBB through the donation option, while overseeing the related operational activities.

Furthermore, this strategic partnership aims, for the first time in the UAE, to establish a localized framework of GMP-compliant domestic manufacturing of UC-MSCs for its clinical implementation of the cell therapies, supporting end-to-end development and manufacturing from biospecimen access to clinical application, thereby strengthening regional resilience.

Umbilical cord–derived cell therapies are increasingly recognized for their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and tissue repair properties, offering promising therapeutic potential in conditions, such as diabetes and its long-term complications, musculoskeletal degeneration, and age-related sarcopenia, where conventional treatments primarily manage symptoms rather than restore function.

Dr. Asma AlMannaei, Executive Director of Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said:

 
Through this partnership, Abu Dhabi Biobank and Human Life CORD will prioritize the development and clinical translation of MSC therapies tailored to unmet health needs in the region, advancing precision-based UC-MSC therapies that support efforts to reduce the growing burden of chronic, non-communicable diseases.

Paul Downey, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Biobank, said:

 
ADBB contributes a regionally unparalleled infrastructure, including access to public cord blood banking services, automated cryogenic storage for cord-derived materials, and integrated clinical, genomic and real-world health data. Its platform enables robust patient stratification, translational research, regulatory engagement and clinical trial facilitation, all within a nationally governed framework aligned with international biobanking standards.

Masamitsu Harata, Founder, President and CEO, Human Life CORD Japan Inc., said:

 
This alliance is part of broader efforts to elevate life sciences and advanced medical research within the UAE, contributing to Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovation and innovative healthcare solutions, while reinforcing international collaboration between the UAE and Japan in high-impact scientific domains.
 

 
■About Abu Dhabi Biobank (https://abudhabibiobank.ae/)
Abu Dhabi Biobank is a national-level biobank jointly operated by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the global healthcare group M42.
Based in Abu Dhabi, it provides an integrated platform for the collection and storage of diverse biospecimens through partnerships with maternity hospitals, alongside the comprehensive use of clinical data, genomic data, and real-world health data.
Abu Dhabi Biobank promotes translational research that bridges scientific discoveries to clinical application and plays a central role in supporting the implementation of regenerative medicine and advanced medical innovations.

■About M42 (https://m42.ae/)
M42 is a global healthcare group that leverages AI, genomics, and healthcare data to deliver integrated operations spanning hospital management through to research and development.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, M42 is building a next-generation healthcare ecosystem that combines healthcare delivery, biobanking, genomics, and health data platforms, with the aim of enabling preventive, predictive, and personalized medicine.
Established in 2023 through the integration of G42 Healthcare and Mubadala Health, M42 currently operates healthcare-related businesses across 27 countries worldwide.

■About Human Life CORD Japan Inc. (https://humanlifecord.com/en/)
Human Life CORD Japan Inc. (HLC) is clinically developing novel cellular therapy products derived from domestically sourced, stockpiled umbilical cords, thereby providing hope to patients suffering from intractable diseases for which established treatment has not been available so far. Looking ahead, HLC is committed to advancing its vision to create a world where everyone can live a rich and fulfilling life with healthy life expectancy, through providing future healthcare aimed at preventing disease progression.
In recognition of our efforts, we have received numerous awards and distinctions: The Grand Prize & Tokyo Metropolitan Governor’s Award at “the First Tokyo Venture Corporate Championship Conference” (2019); selected as a beneficiary in the “Deep Ecosystem” program of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government “Start-up Ecosystem Tokyo Consortium”; the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award at the 5th Japan Open Innovation Prize hosted by the Cabinet Office in 2023; selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for its J-Startup support program in 2023; the Grand Prize in the Startup Category at the Courageous Management Awards (2024), organized by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry; selected for the 2026 “SusHi Tech Global Startups” program by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, an initiative dedicated to accelerating the international growth of high-potential innovators.
 

 
[Press Release PDF] Human Life CORD Japan and Abu Dhabi Biobank Have Entered into a Strategic Partnership
 
[Contact]
Human Life CORD Japan Inc.
Public Relations: info@humanlifecord.com