The Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC) has treated its first patient using a medical approach that’s first in the East African Region.
This stem-cell procedure which is a type of regenerative medicine that uses stem cells to treat and study disease was performed on Wednesday afternoon and involved infusion of cells into a patient who has had chronic back pain.
Explaining to journalists after the procedure, Dr Elly Karuhanga, a renowned lawyer and former Nyabishozi County MP who was infused with stem cells known as mesenchymal that are associated with inflammation and tissue degeneration said before this, he had several surgeries both within and out the country. But his back problem which started in the 1980s has persisted affecting his movement.
Karuhanga explains that while this therapy is available abroad, it’s too costly especially if one is to seek it, they will have to incur a lot in terms of not just treatment which goes for about one hundred thousand dollars but having to cater for travel and lodging for both the patient and their caretaker.
According to Dr Cissy Kityo the Executive Director of JCRC, this new therapy has been introduced after more than a decade of research in regenerative medicine and they will be using it in the treatment of bone-related conditions, joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, blood-related disorders such as sickle cell anemia and cancer, auto-immune diseases in addition to back and spinal damage caused by road crashes among others.
Kityo says while this therapy is costly and still unaffordable to many Ugandans who may need it, they have had a partnership with Karolinska University with whom they have been doing the research to make the cost lower than it would be if a patient travelled to access it in Sweden.
She however declined to mention the price ranges saying that it depends on the specific complication one is treating.
Prof Charles Ibingira who heads the JCRC board said regenerative medicine has the potential to redefine treatment paradigms offering hope for patients with chronic conditions.
According to him, apart from treating ageing–related frailty this intervention is also good for wellness as it rejuvenates the body at a cellular level strengthening the foundation of long-term health.