Bahrain, Ireland unite to combat diabetic skin ulcers

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: mail@newsobahrain.com

Groundbreaking research to improve the healing of diabetic skin ulcers is underway, thanks to a joint effort between medical institutions in Bahrain and Ireland. A collaboration involving the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) - Medical University of Bahrain, the Royal Medical Services (RMS), and key research groups in Dublin is exploring innovative solutions to reduce infection risks, lower amputation rates, and ultimately enhance patient quality of life.

Leading the project, Professor Michael Keogh, Associate Professor in Human Biology and Director of Research Laboratories at RCSI Bahrain, alongside Co-Principal Investigator Dr Martin Maresch, Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon at RMS, are spearheading efforts to develop a novel biomaterial. Their work is focused on improving the healing of diabetic skin ulcers by promoting blood vessel formation and minimizing tissue scarring.

Biomaterial

Early findings suggest this biomaterial is more effective than conventional wound dressings, particularly in the context of an ageing population.

Dr Mohammed Abdulla Al Muharraqi, Senior Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at RMS and Director of the research collaboration between RMS and RCSI Bahrain, emphasized the broader impact of this partnership.

“The collaboration has empowered medical professionals and students to develop impressive research projects addressing pressing healthcare challenges. Through shared expertise, we have published impactful studies, contributing significantly to the global medical community,” Dr Al Muharraqi said.

“We remain committed to fostering innovation for a healthier future.” Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Bahrain, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of research in advancing patient care. “Research is paramount to improving healthcare services, especially for conditions like diabetic foot ulcers.

We are grateful to our research partners, including His Excellency Brigadier (Professor) Fahad Khalifa Al Khalifa, Commander of RMS, and Professor Fergal O’Brien from RCSI Dublin, for their invaluable collaboration.”

The success of this research has also attracted international recognition, with the team securing funding from Enterprise Ireland/Europe to further explore a wound product from Irish industry, with work set to begin in November 2024.

Project

As part of this effort, contributions from Dr Priya Das, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Ms Noof Sulaiman, Research Laboratory Technician, alongside several distinguished surgeons and specialists from Bahrain and Dublin, have been vital in driving the project forward.

This collaboration underscores the commitment of RCSI Bahrain and RMS to placing innovative research at the forefront of improving patient outcomes and addressing national and global health challenges.