Revolution in Chemotherapy and Digital Health Twins

Revolution in Healthcare - Chemotherapy Without Side Effects and Digital Health Twins

At the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week event in the United Arab Emirates, various healthcare startups were showcased that not only increase the effectiveness of treatments but also redefine how we think about prevention, monitoring, and healing of diseases. Instead of traditional healthcare approaches, these companies focus on innovation, artificial intelligence, and affordability. Let's look at how these companies are reshaping the future of medicine in the UAE - and beyond.

Chemotherapy Without Side Effects?

One of the most common treatments for cancer is chemotherapy, which, although effective, is often accompanied by unpleasant side effects like hair loss, loss of appetite, or nausea. However, a healthcare startup is offering a new approach to ease these issues: they have developed a 3D-printed, biodegradable mesh that delivers chemotherapy agents directly to the tumor site. This minimizes the effects of the drugs on healthy tissues.

The startup is about to begin its first human clinical trials in Abu Dhabi and is collaborating with local health authorities to advance further. Preliminary animal tests showed promising results, so the goal now is to prove chemotherapy can work without side effects in humans.

Digital Health Twins: The Future of Diagnosis

Two other startups aim to elevate personal health data collection to a new level, allowing us to track our health using our own "digital twin."

One company can create a virtual replica of us based on a few drops of blood and data from portable devices and health records. This digital "twin" tracks over 200,000 biomarkers using artificial intelligence and helps in the early detection of diseases.

Another innovative approach brings breakthroughs in treating cardiovascular diseases. An AI-based system analyzes electronic health data and, based on that, creates a digital patient profile. This makes it easier for doctors to identify risk factors, optimize treatments, and predict disease progression. The platform is already supported by the healthcare systems of several GCC countries.

Affordable, Customized Prosthetics

In many cases, the cost of prosthetics is astronomical, making the possibility of regaining mobility inaccessible for many. A new approach could revolutionize prosthetic production: a startup uses 3D printing to create customized prosthetics, well below the market average price. While current solutions can cost up to $70,000, they offer solutions between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the type and complexity of the prosthetic.

The process starts with a consultation, followed by creating a trial prosthetic that the user can try out before finalizing the solution. During the manufacturing process, every detail is modeled with 3D technology, so users receive a suitable prosthetic quickly and conveniently - at a lower price.

Smart Baby Thermometer: Peaceful Nights for Parents

Caring for newborns comes with challenges, especially when the baby gets a fever. A Serbian startup offers a solution in the form of a portable, continuously operating thermometer that can be attached directly to the baby's body, transmitting data in real-time to a smartphone app.

This way, parents can continuously monitor their child's temperature, and the app helps them precisely see when the fever rises or falls. This is particularly helpful for first-time families. Although the device is not yet available in the UAE, its launch is planned for June.

Conclusion

The common feature of the presented startups is their collective effort to improve the affordability, customization, and efficiency of healthcare services. Whether it's about targeted chemotherapy application, using digital health twins, or smart baby thermometers - these developments are not just technological breakthroughs but also human-centered solutions. The innovation hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are increasingly becoming starting points for the global reform of healthcare.

(This article is sourced from presentations at the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week event.)