A pioneering collaboration between New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Yas Clinic-Khalifa City, and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) has resulted in the launch of a new AI-supported MRI analysis technique, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s health-tech landscape. The initiative aims to provide faster and more accurate diagnosis for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
AI-Powered Lesion Detection
At the core of this innovation is FLAIRstar, an advanced computational tool designed to analyze MRI scans for a highly specific MS biomarker known as the “central vein sign” (CVS). The presence of a tiny vein within a brain lesion is a strong indicator of MS. By automatically and accurately identifying this sign, the AI-powered module helps neurologists distinguish true MS lesions from mimics often caused by other conditions like migraines or vascular disease, leading to a more precise and rapid diagnosis.
From Research Lab To Clinical Practice
This breakthrough represents a successful “bench-to-bedside” journey, translating cutting-edge academic research into real-world clinical application. Over the past two years, researchers from NYUAD’s Centre for Brain and Health (CBH) have worked to validate the technology. Through the LAMINATE project, these refined MRI techniques are now being applied at Yas Clinic, providing doctors with clearer insights into brain changes and improving patient care, with all data managed securely within the UAE. The collaboration also supported Yas Clinic’s PHOMS clinical trial, which tracked brain changes to evaluate new MS treatments.
A Hub For Healthcare Innovation
The partnership underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a center for advanced medical innovation, fostering a powerful ecosystem that combines local clinical expertise with world-class research. This synergy is aimed at addressing complex neurological conditions and enhancing patient outcomes.
“Through our collaboration with NYUAD, we are combining clinical expertise with state-of-the-art MRI methods to bring transformative solutions for MS care,” said Dr. Lev Brylev, Consultant Neurologist at Yas Clinic. “Tools like FLAIRstar and LAMINATE are already improving diagnosis, accelerating treatment, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.”
Professor Osama Abdullah, MRI Physicist at NYUAD’s Centre for Brain and Health, stated, “Partnering with the clinical expertise of Yas Clinic and ADSCC allows us to validate and apply these discoveries in a real-world setting, creating a powerful ecosystem for healthcare innovation right here in Abu Dhabi.”
About The Initiative
The collaboration between NYUAD, Yas Clinic-Khalifa City, and ADSCC is a multi-disciplinary initiative focused on translating advanced MRI research into clinical practice. Its primary goal is to leverage AI and innovative imaging techniques to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, strengthening the UAE’s position in clinical excellence and patient care.
Source: Zawya
