Cancer drugs costing more than $1 million could be drastically reduced in price by changes to the way immunotherapies are produced, opening up new opportunities for life-saving care.
Novel CAR T-cell therapies offering bespoke treatments are some of the most expensive to produce and deliver, making them out of reach the majority of patients.
The basic cost to deliver the therapy is at least $350,000, with additional licensing fees and other hospital expenses often pushing prices beyond the $1m mark.
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is used to treat some blood cancers, and is created by scientists to suit a patient’s genetics.
We believe every individual, regardless of their financial situation, deserves equal access to quality cancer care and support
Aisha Al Mulla,
Director of Friends of Cancer Patients
T-cells are collected from a patient, then re-engineered in the lab and delivered to the patient to hunt down and destroy cancerous cells.
But thanks to changes in manufacturing processes, hospitals around the world are beginning to produce their own CAR T-cell therapies locally, drastically cutting costs.
Caring Cross, a US-based non-profit organisation, aims to make gene therapy accessible and affordable worldwide, by decentralising manufacturing and opening up a new avenue of cancer care for all patients.
Cancer care boost
Dr Boro Dropulic, executive director of Caring Cross, said a global strategy could reshape healthcare and provide life-saving treatments for those who need them most.
“There are a number of ways the cost can be reduced, mainly by reducing the cost of materials used in the process,” Dr Dropulic told The National.
“The single largest cost is the vector used to deliver the therapeutic genes into cells. We are addressing this issue by establishing a public benefit corporation called Vector BioMed, which manufactures GMP Lentiviral vectors at about half the price of other manufacturers.”
The shipping of cells from hospitals to a large single central manufacturing facility and back is expensive to establish and maintain, he added.
“It is very costly when the number of products produced from such a facility does not reach capacity, which is generally the case. By bringing manufacturing of cells to the place where patients come for care, we can reduce the cost to a tenth of the current cost when coupled with simple and efficient manufacturing processes and materials,” Dr Dropulic added.
Local manufacturing
Caring Cross aims to bring manufacturing sites for personalised therapies to local hospitals around the world, improving access to the ground-breaking science. By developing low-cost CAR T-cell manufacturing processes, low and middle income countries such as Brazil can independently manufacture CAR T-cells and reduce dependency on expensive commercial products.
The approach bridges the healthcare gap, making advanced treatments more accessible to families facing financial barriers and promoting healthcare equity. Benefits of decentralised manufacturing are already being seen in Spain, where costs have plummeted to below $100,000, and in India where therapy costs have fallen to as low as $35,000.
Dr Dropulic said prefabricated modular ‘clean rooms’ are manufactured and deployed fully equipped for CAR T-cell manufacture anywhere in the world.
“The model is particularly suited for cellular gene therapies, which is our focus,” he said. “If this model works in low to middle income nations, it can definitely work in the UAE and similar countries.”
An estimated 20 million new cancer cases were reported worldwide in 2022, resulting in nearly 10 million deaths. For the millions affected, life-saving treatments like CAR T-cell therapy are far out of reach.
Doctors turn to the therapy when other treatments have failed, or a patient’s blood cancer has returned.
That comes at a cost with patients in the UAE often referred overseas for treatments.
“CAR T-cell has transformed the way we think about and see cancers, and there are multiple indications now approved,” said Dr Humaid Al Shamsi, director of medical oncology services at Burjeel Medical City.
“There is a huge interest to bring CAR T-cell from haematology, into other forms of cancers as it has transformed the way we treat blood cancers. For the solid tumours like GI cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, it's still not quite there yet.
“There are many studies and trials happening right now, but currently it's only approved for blood cancer.”
Therapies are expensive due to the huge investment required for research and development.
Overseas care
Dr Al Shamsi said about 15 Burjeel Medical City patients had been referred for expensive CAR T-Cell therapies, with the US and Singapore the most common destinations.
High costs remained a prohibitive factor in bringing therapies to the UAE, but that could change.
“To bring these drugs from preclinical studies to advanced stages can cost billions,” said Dr Al Shamsi.
“Licensing fees are also significant, exceeding Dh50 million. To get a return, they [pharmaceutical companies] have to charge more than average to recover these costs.
“It’s important to understand this is a personalised treatment, as we have to perform processes in a special way to develop CAR T-cells for each patient, which takes a lot of effort.
“The infrastructure itself is also very costly to build. We can cut this down by making drugs more accessible, with more factories and more manpower to handle this, as the time to collect the CAR T-Cell can take around 35 days.”
In April, the UAE’s Friends of Cancer Patients charity covered some of the costs of CAR T-Cell therapy for a 46-year-old Omani man who lived in Ras Al Khaimah.
The immunotherapy cost more than Dh1 million, with some of those costs paid by the charity.
The man was successfully treated for lymphoma at the Yas Clinic in Khalifa City.
In the first half of 2024, FoCP supported 96 patients, including six children, with Dh4.3m in care fees.
Cancer is an expensive disease to treat, with some of the most effective immunotherapies out of financial reach for many.
Charity support
In 2023 the charity supported the care of 323 cancer patients with Dh7.2 million of funding to treat 55 different cancers.
“We believe every individual, regardless of their financial situation, deserves equal access to quality cancer care and support,” said Aisha Al Mulla, director of Friends of Cancer Patients.
“The financial burden of cancer can be overwhelming, but we are dedicated to alleviating this stress through our comprehensive support programmes.”
In the US, approximately 1.8 million new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, leading to an estimated $5.6 billion in out-of-pocket expenses for patients and their families.
Meanwhile in the UAE, the year 2022 saw 5,526 new cancer diagnoses, and 2,283 deaths.
“Our mission is to ensure that no one faces this battle alone,” said Ms Al Mulla.
“By offering moral and financial support, we aim to alleviate the stress associated with treatment costs and empower patients to focus on their recovery, nurturing an environment where hope prevails.”
Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
Director: Kushan Nandy
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami
Three stars
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Chris%20Jordan%20on%20Sanchit
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS
Bournemouth 1 Manchester City 2
Watford 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 0
Huddersfield Town 0 Southampton 0
Crystal Palace 0 Swansea City 2
Manchester United 2 Leicester City 0
West Bromwich Albion 1 Stoke City 1
Chelsea 2 Everton 0
Tottenham Hotspur 1 Burnley 1
Liverpool 4 Arsenal 0
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Expert input
If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?
“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett
“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche
“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox
“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite
“I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy
“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra
Company%20profile
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Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company
The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.
He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.
“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.
“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.
HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon.
With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nag%20Ashwin%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPrabhas%2C%20Saswata%20Chatterjee%2C%20Deepika%20Padukone%2C%20Amitabh%20Bachchan%2C%20Shobhana%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Porsche Taycan Turbo specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 1050Nm
Range: 450km
Price: Dh601,800
On sale: now
AUSTRALIA%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3EPat%20Cummins%20(capt)%2C%20Scott%20Boland%2C%20Alex%20Carey%2C%20Cameron%20Green%2C%20Marcus%20Harris%2C%20Josh%20Hazlewood%2C%20Travis%20Head%2C%20Josh%20Inglis%2C%20Usman%20Khawaja%2C%20Marnus%20Labuschagne%2C%20Nathan%20Lyon%2C%20Mitchell%20Marsh%2C%20Todd%20Murphy%2C%20Matthew%20Renshaw%2C%20Steve%20Smith%2C%20Mitchell%20Starc%2C%20David%20Warner%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Stats at a glance:
Cost: 1.05 billion pounds (Dh 4.8 billion)
Number in service: 6
Complement 191 (space for up to 285)
Top speed: over 32 knots
Range: Over 7,000 nautical miles
Length 152.4 m
Displacement: 8,700 tonnes
Beam: 21.2 m
Draught: 7.4 m
Turning%20waste%20into%20fuel
%3Cp%3EAverage%20amount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20at%20DIC%20factory%20every%20month%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EApproximately%20106%2C000%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAmount%20of%20biofuel%20produced%20from%201%20litre%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%20%3Cstrong%3E920ml%20(92%25)%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ETime%20required%20for%20one%20full%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%20used%20cooking%20oil%20to%20biofuel%3A%20%3Cstrong%3EOne%20day%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EEnergy%20requirements%20for%20one%20cycle%20of%20production%20from%201%2C000%20litres%20of%20used%20cooking%20oil%3A%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E%E2%96%AA%20Electricity%20-%201.1904%20units%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Water-%2031%20litres%3Cbr%3E%E2%96%AA%20Diesel%20%E2%80%93%2026.275%20litres%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
