Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Advances in biomedical technologies are creating global effects on individual and public health and safety; social and political systems; and economic development. The current biomedical revolution not only opens up possibilities for increased life span, economic prosperity, and improved quality of life, but also introduces challenges related to ethical issues, such as personal privacy and individual autonomy. Further, it has been argued that the ever-accelerating pace of technological change may lead to a widening of the gap between the rich and poor, in developing and developed countries. The maturity of these trends varies. In actively developing countries, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, these trends have emerged and are starting to grow and mature, while in developed countries, like the US, these trends have been underway for many years, if not decades. The Research Division of Sidra Medical and Research Center was established to serve as a center of excellence in the development of biomedical technologies in fetal/maternal healthcare. With a focus on state-of-art research in the fields of genomics and bioinformatics, among others, Sidra Research is leading the way for the development of new technologies in the treatment of acute and chronic disease. Through the application of cutting-edge science to real-world health problems, Sidra Research is trying its best to have a tangible impact on public health, especially as it relates to medical conditions that are endemic in the MENA Region. Cancer immunotherapy is one of several areas of focus that will be discussed in this presentation.

Biography

Mark G Bloom, Director of the Office of Technology Transfer is responsible for leading the long-term growth of Sidra’s Technology Transfer Program. In addition to the traditional duties of overseeing Sidra’s intellectual property rights portfolio, he is responsible for developing technology transfer and intellectual property rights management strategies that support Sidra’s mission to become a world-class academic health center focusing on women’s and children’s health.

Email: mbloom@sidra.org