Qatar- Deal to boost eye research

1/31/2016 9:50:10 PM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) FROM LEFT: Dr Rayaz A Malik Professor of Medicine WCM-Q; Dr Hadi Abderrahim Managing Director Qatar Biobank; and Dirk Fransaer Managing Director VITO at the MoU signing ceremony.

DOHA: Qatar Biobank of Qatar Foundation (QF) has entered an agreement with Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) and Vlaamse Instellingvoor Technologisch Onderzoek in Belgium (VITO) to strengthen scientific collaboration.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) includes sharing knowledge to further research in the field of retinal image analysis and help develop non-invasive and convenient health monitoring and early disease identification.

The three organisations will work to exchange scientific information through training education courses and joint research projects to demonstrate the value of retinal images in patients at risk of stroke diabetes and other neurological illnesses like dementia and multiple sclerosis.

All research using specimens housed within Qatar Biobank will be conducted in Qatar.

According to an abstract submitted at QF’s Annual Research Conference 2014 in collaboration with VITO “the eye is the clearest and most accessible organ to observe anatomical and physiological characteristics of microvessels — the smallest blood vessels of the circulatory system.

Subtle changes in the retinal blood vessels can mirror early cardio- and cerebrovascular events long before their clinical manifestation.”

Dr Hadi Abderrahim Managing Director Qatar Biobank said “As we embark on the second phase of Qatar Biobank the pursuit of research collaborations is a key element to our success in shaping the future of personalised healthcare. “We look forward to the exchange of scientific information and future collaborations with WCMC-Q and VITO.”

Using samples collected by Qatar Biobank WCMC-Q and VITO will undertake ‘translational’ research to develop innovative imaging and genetic biomarkers in medical diseases. Dr Rayaz A Malik Professor of Medicine WCMC-Q said “The partnership offers great opportunities for new research that could lead to significantly improved healthcare outcomes for our patients. We are delighted to sign this memorandum of understanding to provide a framework for increased collaboration and sharing of expertise which we are confident will be extremely successful and productive.”

VITO is a leading European independent research and technology organisation in the areas of clean tech and sustainable development elaborating solutions for societal challenges.

The Peninsula

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