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Day 1 : Jun 01,2026
Day 1
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Keynote Speakers
Biography:
Prof. Ali Soofastaei is a technology leader specializing in AI-driven digital transformation, data governance, and large-scale analytics. He has led global programs across asset-intensive industries, designing production-grade data platforms, decision-support systems, and MLOps frameworks that improve safety, reliability, and sustainability. Ali holds a PhD in Information Technology (University of Queensland) and an MEng in Systems Engineering (Johns Hopkins University). His work focuses on translating complex, heterogeneous data into actionable, transparent decisions using modern data products, value-driver trees, and explainable machine learning (e.g., SHAP-based analyses). A frequent keynote speaker and author, he partners with executives and multidisciplinary teams to operationalize AI responsibly—linking models to measurable outcomes and robust governance. His current interests include privacy-preserving learning, energy-aware analytics for healthcare facilities, and resilient architectures for real-time clinical and laboratory operations.

Abstract:
Healthcare and bioscience are entering a data-dense era shaped by connected devices, high-throughput laboratories, and digitized clinical workflows. Yet many organizations still struggle to turn heterogeneous data into trustworthy, operational decisions. This talk distills practical lessons from large-scale digital transformation in asset-intensive industries—where safety, reliability, sustainability, and cost discipline must coexist—and maps them to healthcare and bioscience use cases. I will outline a repeatable architecture for predictive and prescriptive analytics that integrates streaming telemetry (wearables, laboratory instruments, building management systems), transactional systems (EHR/LIMS/ERP), and unstructured data (clinical notes, imaging metadata). The approach emphasizes: (1) governed data products with clear ownership and quality SLAs; (2) value-driver trees that translate models into measurable clinical, operational, and sustainability outcomes; (3) robust MLOps for deployment, monitoring, and drift management; and (4) human-centered change management to secure adoption. Methodologically, I will cover forecasting and anomaly detection for patient flow and equipment uptime; classification and ranking for triage and imaging worklists; and reinforcement-learning-style policies for resource scheduling. Model transparency is addressed using explainability techniques (e.g., SHAP summaries at cohort and case levels) and lineage/audit trails to satisfy regulatory and ethical requirements. I will also discuss privacy-preserving patterns (federated/edge training), bias assessment, and governance checkpoints. Illustrative vignettes include: predictive maintenance for critical laboratory and imaging assets; dynamic staffing and theatre scheduling using time-series demand signals; and energy-aware facility control that reduces environmental footprint without compromising patient safety. The session concludes with a pragmatic playbook—maturity assessment, opportunity discovery, minimum viable model, guarded pilot, and scaled rollout—backed by templates and metrics that attendees can adapt to their contexts. The core message is simple: by combining disciplined data governance with explainable, operations-aware AI, healthcare and bioscience organizations can move beyond dashboards to decisions—safely, sustainably, and at scale.
Speaker Sessions
Biography:
Dr. Amina Al Dababsekh is an MBBS-qualified physician with international clinical and academic training, and a focused interest in women’s health and regenerative medicine. She graduated from Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates. She then completed her medical internship (September 2024 – September 2025) at King’s College Hospital Dubai. Dr. Al Dababsekh is currently an Obstetrics and Gynecology resident at the Governmental OBGYN Hospital and Birthing House No. 3, Kyiv, Ukraine, and simultaneously serves as Medical Director at ID Clinic. In parallel with her clinical training, she has completed multiple certified courses and international electives, including Basic Life Support, Basic Surgical Skills, and Basic Orthopedic Skills, as well as the Cyberpatient Summer School Program, where she ranked among the top 100 participants globally. She also completed elective training in emergency medicine and general surgery and formal programs in leadership, medical documentation, and research. Dr. Al Dababsekh is actively involved in regenerative and stem cell research, with academic interests in stem cell–derived spermatogenesis, regenerative management of female premature ovarian failure, and neuroregeneration in autism spectrum disorders. She has authored peer-reviewed research and regularly presents at regenerative medicine and stem cell conferences.

Abstact:
Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors. Current ASD treatments focus on behavioral and symptomatic management, lacking curative options. This study explored the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) as a potential therapeutic intervention for ASD in children.
Methods: This single-arm Phase I/II clinical trial included 27 children aged 2.5 to 12 years diagnosed with ASD based on DSM-5 criteria. Participants received four subcutaneous injections of UC-MSCs at three-month intervals, with a dosage of 2 million neuro cells per kilogram of body weight per injection, administered in a sterile suspension around the umbilical area. Stem cells were isolated from screened and donated umbilical cords following normal deliveries and prepared under GMP conditions. Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment, with final follow-ups at 21 months. Safety assessments included adverse event monitoring, complete blood counts, metabolic panels, and inflammatory markers (MDC, TARC). Efficacy was evaluated using standardized ASD-specific tools (CARS, ATEC, ADOS), cognitive scales (WPPSI/WISC), behavioral measures (VABS, ABC), and quality-of-life assessments (PedsQL). Statistical analyses employed repeated measures MANOVA to identify trends in symptom changes across time points. Missing data were analyzed using Little's MCAR test and replaced with the EM algorithm where appropriate.
Results: UC-MSC therapy was generally safe, with no severe treatment-related adverse events. Of 324 infusions, 135 adverse events were reported, with 20.4% deemed related to the treatment, including mild injection site inflammation and transient behavioral increases (e.g., tics, anxiety). These events were mild and self-resolving. Efficacy assessments revealed significant reductions in autism severity over time. At the 12-month follow-up, mean CARS scores decreased by 7 points (baseline mean: 38.50; 12-month mean: 32.00), and ATEC scores improved by 25 points (baseline mean: 62.80; 12-month mean: 40.00). These improvements corresponded with clinical observations, with 41% of participants demonstrating a meaningful reduction in CARS scores that placed them in a lower diagnostic category for autism severity. Among these responders, 63.6% transitioned from mild-to-moderate autism to below the diagnostic threshold, while 36.4% improved from severe autism to below threshold levels. Serum inflammatory markers MDC and TARC decreased by 150.00 pg/mL and 85.00 pg/mL, respectively. TARC levels followed a similar trend. These reductions were associated with corresponding behavioral and cognitive improvements in many participants, suggesting an immunomodulatory mechanism of action. By 21 months, some regression in symptoms and inflammatory marker levels was noted, with scores stabilizing but remaining improved compared to baseline. Notably, 11 participants (41%) continued to show sustained gains, maintaining reduced ASD severity scores. Conclusion: UC-MSC therapy demonstrated a favorable safety profile and potential efficacy in reducing core ASD symptoms and improving associated comorbidities. While results are promising, the small sample size and lack of a control group necessitate further research in larger, randomized trials. This study underscores the potential of stem cell therapies as innovative interventions for ASD management. 
Biography:
Giuseppe Recchia  graduated in Medicine and Surgery at University of Padua-I and carried out research at  Hospital of Verona-I and Downstate Medical Center, NYC-USA. He have been for several years Medical and Scientific Director in the Italian R&D centre of a major multinational pharmaceutical group. He is co-founder and CEO of daVinci Digital Therapeutics (2019-2023), daVi DigitalMedicine (2021-present) and Digital Rehab (2021-present), startups of digital therapeutics and care supports. Also he is co-leading the R&D process of a candidate digital therapeutic for chronic insomnia with University of Verona-I, a candidate digital therapeutic for high blood pressure with Polifarma, Rome-I and a candidate digital therapeutic for motor rehabilitation, all currently in clinical development, and he is a vice-president of Trends in Health and Healthcare, a not for profit organization for the development of innovation in healthcare. He has been teaching the course ‘Digital Health & Therapeutics’ at the University of Tor Vergata, Rome-I since 2020.

Abstract:
Patient-facing Digital Health Technologies (DHT) comprise, according to the Digital Therapeutics Alliance (2023) classification, five progressive categories differentiated by increasing impact on clinical management: Health & Wellness, Patient Monitoring, Care Support, Digital Diagnostics, and Digital Therapeutics (DTx). Care Supports facilitate self-management of diagnosed medical conditions through education, recommendations, and personalized reminders, keeping patients engaged, active, and capable of managing their disease journey according to physician-prescribed treatments, thereby intervening on care processes. Digital Therapeutics are software products that directly deliver medical interventions to treat or alleviate diseases, with demonstrated positive therapeutic impact on clinical outcomes, thus intervening on health outcomes and validated through randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Generative artificial intelligence integration significantly modifies both categories. The first RCT of a generative AI-based DTx (Therabot) demonstrated significant reductions in symptoms of major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and eating disorders, with engagement exceeding 6 hours and therapeutic alliance comparable to human therapists. However, critical methodological issues emerge: requirements for robust safety guardrails, management of AI sycophancy, privacy protection, and definition of appropriate regulatory frameworks. Two exploratory collaborative projects currently underway, involving daVi DigitalMedicine, exemplify this evolution in post-stroke management. Take Charge DTx transforms into AI-enabled digital format the intervention validated by Harwood et al. (2012), a talking therapy based on Self-Determination Theory focused on autonomy and self-determination. The original intervention demonstrated significant improvement in Physical Component Summary (SF-36) at 12 months (mean difference 2.9 points, 95% CI 0.95-4.9, p=0.004), with dose-response effect (1.9 points per session, p<0.001). The AI-powered digital version enables increased scalability, cost reduction (from ~$64/session to <$10/patient/year estimated), continuous personalization, and real-time monitoring through conversational interfaces. MyStroke Journey is an AI-enabled Care Support integrating three components: personalized education through AI-based coaching avatars, continuous monitoring (vital parameters, ePROs, wearable data), and digital rehabilitation. Designed for patients and caregivers, it utilizes resources certified by peer-reviewed literature and guidelines to optimize extra-hospital management through educational and logistical support and connection with healthcare professionals.These projects explore the transformation of evidence-based interventions into scalable digital solutions through generative AI, maintaining methodological rigor in evaluating efficacy and safety while addressing the global gap in access to care.
Biography:
Dr. Maite Iglesias Badiola holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain. She completed postdoctoral research at the National Cancer Institute (NIH, USA), focusing on HPV and cervical cancer progression, and later conducted research at the CSIC in Madrid on epithelial carcinogenesis. Since 2000, she has been a teaching researcher at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV), where she launched innovative educational programs and the 3Eras Rare Diseases School. She has received two national research recognitions (CNEAI) and published extensively in high-impact international journals. Currently, she is Dean of the Faculty of Experimental Sciences and a Full Professor of Research Methodology, leading a research group in stem cells and regenerative medicine, with a focus on neuronal regeneration in the central nervous system.

Abstract:
Human placental-derived amniotic stromal cells (hAMSCs) have emerged as versatile agents in regenerative medicine due to their immunomodulatory properties, ease of isolation, and secretion of bioactive factors. This work presents two complementary lines of research that demonstrate their therapeutic potential in both neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. In the neurological domain, hAMSCs have been shown to promote regeneration of injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in rats, enhancing axonal growth (19–26 ?m/neuron) and restoring electrophysiological activity under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Transwell and conditioned medium experiments confirmed that these effects are mediated by paracrine mechanisms involving neurotrophic factors such as BDNF, NGF, and NT-3. Patch clamp recordings validated the functional recovery of regenerated neurons, demonstrating action potential firing. Current investigations focus on placental-derived exosomes, which retain the bioactive properties of the source tissue and offer a promising avenue for personalized medicine. These nanovesicles modulate key cellular processes including inflammation, apoptosis, and regeneration, and are particularly effective in neurodegenerative conditions such as glaucoma. In the cardiovascular context, hAMSCs were evaluated in a murine model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Intravenous administration of hAMSCs two days post-I/R significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (64.5% vs. 50.0% in controls) and reduced myocardial necrosis and fibrosis. Despite minimal direct cellular engraftment, a paracrine mechanism was identified involving extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying miR-150. This microRNA regulates the MIAT/miR-150/Hoxa4 axis, which is critical for cardioprotection. CRISPR-Cas9 mediated deletion of miR-150 in hAMSCs abolished the therapeutic effect, while administration of purified EVs or lipid nanoparticles containing miR-150 replicated the observed benefits. These findings position hAMSCs as a multimodal therapeutic platform capable of addressing complex pathologies through targeted paracrine signaling and highlight the potential of exosome-based interventions in future regenerative therapies.  
Biography:
Mays Abu Ajamieh is a Clinical Research Coordinator and PharmD graduate with a strong interest in pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine, and regulatory science, with particular emphasis on the evaluation of pharmacogenomic information in drug labeling. She has authored and co authored several peer-reviewed publications in international journals, including studies addressing pharmacogenomics education, clinical pharmacy interventions, and regulatory aspects of drug use. Her recent work focuses on assessing the availability and quality of pharmacogenomic labeling in medications approved in Jordan, highlighting existing gaps when compared with international regulatory standards. Mays is committed to advancing evidence-based regulatory practices that support safer, more effective, and individualized pharmacotherapy.

Abstract:
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) plays a key role in optimizing drug therapy by accounting for genetic variability that influences drug response, efficacy, and safety. Drug labeling is a primary source through which PGx information is communicated to healthcare professionals. However, the extent to which such information is incorporated into drug labels varies considerably across countries. In Jordan, the integration of pharmacogenomic guidance into clinical practice remains limited, and the availability of PGx information in approved drug labels has not been systematically evaluated. This study aimed to assess the presence and distribution of pharmacogenomic information in medications approved by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) and to compare the findings with PGx labeling practices in the United States and Hungary. A manual review of drug leaflets available through the JFDA online database was conducted between July and September 2024. Drugs were evaluated for the inclusion of PGx biomarkers and categorized by therapeutic area. The results were then compared with data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling and Hungarian Summaries of Product Characteristics reported in previous literature. Among 75 JFDA-approved drugs reviewed, only 15 (20%) contained complete pharmacogenomic information in their labeling. PGx-labeled drugs were most frequently observed in neurology (50%), immunology (40%), and psychiatry (26.7%). In contrast, cardiology (10%), oncology (25%), urology (0%), and infectious diseases (0%) were notably underrepresented, despite the well-established clinical relevance of PGx in these fields. Compared with the United States and Hungary, PGx labeling in Jordan was substantially less comprehensive and often absent even for high-priority medications. These findings highlight a significant gap in pharmacogenomic labeling within the Jordanian regulatory framework. Strengthening PGx integration into drug labeling may support safer prescribing practices, reduce adverse drug reactions, and facilitate the broader implementation of personalized medicine in Jordan. Regulatory updates and alignment with international stan
Biography:
Dr. Anand Srivastava is a Chairman and Cofounder of California based Global Institute of Stem Cell Therapy and Research (GIOSTAR) headquartered in San Diego, California, (U.S.A.). The company was formed with the vision to provide stem cell based therapy to aid those suffering from degenerative or genetic diseases around the world such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Autism, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injuries, Paralysis, Blood Related Diseases, Cancer and Burns. Dr. Srivastava has been associated with leading universities and research institutions of USA. In affiliation with University of California San Diego Medical College (UCSD), University of California Irvine Medical College (UCI), Salk Research Institute, San Diego, Burnham Institute For Medical Research, San Diego, University of California Los Angeles Medical College (UCLA), USA has developed several research collaborations and has an extensive research experience in the field of Embryonic Stem cell which is documented by several publications in revered scientific journals. Furthermore, Dr. Srivastava’s expertise and scientific achievements were recognized by many scientific fellowships and by two consecutive award of highly prestigious and internationally recognized, JISTEC award from Science and Technology Agency, Government of Japan. Also, his research presentation was awarded with the excellent presentation award in the “Meeting of Clinical Chemistry and Medicine, Kyoto, Japan. Based on his extraordinary scientific achievements his biography has been included in “WHO IS WHO IN AMERICA” data bank two times, first in 2005 and second in 2010.

Abstract:
The experimental evidences strongly suggest that embryonic stem (ES) cell lines can be created from human blastocyst-stage embryos and stimulated to develop into practically all types of cells found in the body. Cellular treatments produced from ES cells have attracted fresh interest. The potential utility of ES cells for gene therapy, tissue engineering, and the treatment of a wide spectrum of currently untreatable diseases is simply too vital to ignore; however, further improvements in our understanding of the basic biology of ES cells are required to deliver these forms of therapy in a safe and efficient manner. In this meeting, I'll share my research using ES cells and how they can be used to treat hematopoietic and neurodegenerative disorders. 
Biography:
She holds a degree in Biomedicine and a master’s degree in Advanced Therapies from Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, as well as a master’s degree in Science Communication and Cultural Knowledge Management from Universidad de Nebrija. Marta is currently a predoctoral researcher in the Genomic Medicine Group at CiMUS, while also engaging in science outreach by giving talks, teaching workshops, and creating science videos in @marrtatrrillo . She is also the author of the book “Cómo decide tu cerebro: Neurobiología práctica de las decisiones, percepciones y vínculos.”

Abstract:
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a revolutionary "living drug," redefining the landscape of precision oncology through the genetic reprogramming of a patient’s own immune system. Since the pioneering breakthroughs in synthetic biology and the landmark regulatory approvals for hematological malignancies, this therapeutic modality has transitioned from a niche experimental concept to a cornerstone of modern immunotherapy. The current state-of-the-art is characterized by unprecedented remission rates in B-cell malignancies and multiple myeloma. However, the field is now entering a transformative era of expansion. Beyond oncology, CAR-based therapies are demonstrating remarkable potential in treating autoimmune disorders—such as systemic lupus erythematosus—and chronic infectious diseases, suggesting a broader systemic application for engineered cells. Despite these successes, the transition to solid tumors remains a formidable challenge, hindered by antigen heterogeneity and the hostile, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To address these hurdles, the next generation of cellular engineering is leveraging CRISPR-mediated gene editing and synthetic circuits to enhance potency, persistence, and safety. Furthermore, the scope of effector cells is diversifying beyond T lymphocytes to include Natural Killer (NK) cells and macrophages (CAR-NK and CAR-M), paving the way for "off-the-shelf" allogeneic products that could significantly improve scalability and patient access. As we look toward the future, the integration of advanced manufacturing and multi-antigen targeting promises to overcome current limitations in toxicity and resistance. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of CAR-T therapy, evaluating its current clinical impact and the innovative strategies poised to expand the reach of cellular engineering across the spectrum of human disease.

Moderator
Biography:
Dr. Cheryl Roche Alexander, DNP, EMBA, is a healthcare strategist, biopharmaceutical executive, and founder of Enlightened Consulting and Dr. Cheryl. Her work bridges biopharma, digital health, patient engagement, population health, value-based care, prevention, and human-centered innovation, with a focus on helping organizations and individuals use technology to improve access, activation, resilience, and outcomes. Across Medical Affairs, Market Access, Commercial, and patient support, she has led and advised initiatives that integrate AI-enabled insights, care coordination, and practical engagement strategies to support earlier identification, treatment, adherence, and patient empowerment. Through Dr. Cheryl, she extends this work into simple self-care systems that help people strengthen physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, and purpose in an increasingly digital world. As moderator, Cheryl will guide a balanced discussion on how AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality can transform healthcare while requiring thoughtful attention to trust, equity, safety, affordability, and human connection.