Innovation in clinical translation of advanced therapies

Cell & Gene Therapy Insights 2020; 6(6), 923–931

DOI: 10.18609/cgti.2020.102

Published: 7 August 2020
Interview
Mohamed Abou El-Enein

Mohamed Abou-El-Enein is a professor of regenerative medicine and head of clinical development platform at BIH center for regenerative therapies, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany. He is a physician by training, received a master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnologies from Strasbourg University, a clinical research certificate from Harvard Medical School, a doctoral degree in the economics of manufacturing cellular therapies from Charité and a master of public health from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is also trained as a qualified person (QP) for production and quality control of advanced therapies. Dr Abou-El-Enein is one of the recipients of the inaugural Lawrence Goldstein Policy Fellowship, was awarded the Max-Rubner Prize for innovation and the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship, acted as the regional secretary of the International Society for Cellular Therapy (until June 2020) and is an active member of many international expert networks and committees. He has more than 10 years of experience as a clinical developer where he is responsible for the early-stage clinical development of several cell-based therapies. His research focuses on devising methods and tools to optimize the manufacturing, clinical translation and evidence synthesis for cell and gene therapies as well as improving the current regulatory frameworks governing the development of these novel products. Dr Abou-El-Enein is a strong advocate for equitable access to safe and effective medical innovations, protecting global health and public safety. He is committed to addressing the global rise of clinics marketing unproven stem cell interventions, as well as emerging health technologies beyond stem cell.