Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Equine Veterinary Medical Centre (EVMC) has launched its biobank, which will focus on the genetic preservation, long-term storage and retrieval of biological samples from horses.
Named Inara, which means ‘enlighten’ in Arabic, Equine Veterinary Medical Centre’s (EVMC) biobank represents a national repository for storing valuable biological specimens such as DNA, stem cells and tissue samples. Inara will offer animal owners the ability to safeguard valuable genetic information and secure stem cells extracted at EVMC’s regenerative medicine laboratory.
An animal’s own stem cells can be used to help restore the function of their damaged tissues, such as tendons, ligaments and cartilage. The success of this is highly dependent on how quickly after injury the treatment can be delivered and thus having a readily available repository of stem cells samples ensures that horses can receive timely and precise care.
Inara is also a valuable resource for researchers, as EVMC allows research groups to conduct vital research using Inara’s stored samples and their associated data. This research is crucial in driving scientific breakthroughs, helping develop new drugs, genetic tests, treatments and creating public health strategies that will benefit animals.
Dr Tatiana Vinardell, head of Research and Education at EVMC, said: "The launch of Inara was a natural progression for EVMC in becoming a major regional and international stakeholder of equine veterinary regenerative medicine. This platform will enhance the quality of precision medicine treatments and will contribute to the advancement of equine health.”
Speaking about the launch of Inara, Acting Director of EVMC Saad Khalid Awan said, "EVMC is proud to be the pioneer of equine biobanking in the country. Inara represents a breakthrough in clinical and research models, at par with Qatar Foundation’s aspiration to be a leader in scientific discovery.
"Inara, as the name suggests, will pave the way for further discoveries – both locally and internationally – made possible by our highly qualified and committed team of scientists and clinicians.”
Inara aims to serve the equestrian community by providing a safe long-term storage solution for valuable animal biological samples and by promoting translational research that will ultimately result in veterinary medical advancements that are more effective and better targeted for animals in Qatar and beyond. Inara is currently preparing to undergo ISO/IEC 20387:2018 assessment, the international gold standard for biobanking, to become one of the few ISO accredited animal biobanks worldwide.
Doha
Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Equine Veterinary Medical Centre (EVMC) has launched its biobank, which will focus on the genetic preservation, long-term storage and retrieval of biological samples from horses.
Named Inara, which means ‘enlighten’ in Arabic, Equine Veterinary Medical Centre’s (EVMC) biobank represents a national repository for storing valuable biological specimens such as DNA, stem cells and tissue samples. Inara will offer animal owners the ability to safeguard valuable genetic information and secure stem cells extracted at EVMC’s regenerative medicine laboratory.
An animal’s own stem cells can be used to help restore the function of their damaged tissues, such as tendons, ligaments and cartilage. The success of this is highly dependent on how quickly after injury the treatment can be delivered and thus having a readily available repository of stem cells samples ensures that horses can receive timely and precise care.
Inara is also a valuable resource for researchers, as EVMC allows research groups to conduct vital research using Inara’s stored samples and their associated data. This research is crucial in driving scientific breakthroughs, helping develop new drugs, genetic tests, treatments and creating public health strategies that will benefit animals.
Dr Tatiana Vinardell, head of Research and Education at EVMC, said: "The launch of Inara was a natural progression for EVMC in becoming a major regional and international stakeholder of equine veterinary regenerative medicine. This platform will enhance the quality of precision medicine treatments and will contribute to the advancement of equine health.”
Speaking about the launch of Inara, Acting Director of EVMC Saad Khalid Awan said, "EVMC is proud to be the pioneer of equine biobanking in the country. Inara represents a breakthrough in clinical and research models, at par with Qatar Foundation’s aspiration to be a leader in scientific discovery.
"Inara, as the name suggests, will pave the way for further discoveries – both locally and internationally – made possible by our highly qualified and committed team of scientists and clinicians.”
Inara aims to serve the equestrian community by providing a safe long-term storage solution for valuable animal biological samples and by promoting translational research that will ultimately result in veterinary medical advancements that are more effective and better targeted for animals in Qatar and beyond. Inara is currently preparing to undergo ISO/IEC 20387:2018 assessment, the international gold standard for biobanking, to become one of the few ISO accredited animal biobanks worldwide.