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Stem cells: The building blocks of living organisms and the skyrocketing career of Yendry Ventura

Why it matters:

Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center CEO and United Arab Emirates University Adjunct Professor Yendry Ventura (MS ’24) is pursuing his passion for health care innovation.

“Stem cells represent boundless possibilities,” said Johns Hopkins Carey Business School alumnus Yendry Ventura (MS ’24). “When I think about stem cells, I see hope and potential for finding cures for diseases that currently have no cure. They embody the promise of a healthier future.”

As CEO of Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center and adjunct professor at the United Arab Emirates University, Ventura is pursuing his passion for health care innovation. His work is rooted in cellular therapy, clinical research, and preclinical studies, with a focus on cell biology, immunology, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

Two things top the list of accomplishments for which Ventura is known: the UAE’s first clinical trial, UAECell-19, which aims to treat COVID-19 patients using stem cells; and the establishment of the nation’s first bone marrow transplantation program, AD-BMT. But that’s not where his accomplishments end. His expertise with stem cells also led him to spearhead the implementation of the UAE’s first CAR-T cell therapy—a treatment that uses a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer. And he served as principal investigator for numerous clinical trials targeting conditions such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Beyond that, he has contributed to over 40 publications, holds more than 10 intellectual properties, and has collaborated on research projects across the globe.

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“My degree in Health Care Management from Johns Hopkins University has been pivotal in my success, providing me with the knowledge and skills to navigate and excel in the health care and business landscape.”

Yendry Ventura, MS ’24, CEO Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center

Humanity, science, and innovation

Among Ventura’s international collaborations, he was part of an agreement between Italy’s Foundation Revert Onlus, a charity that focuses on stem cell research and clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases, and the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace. The work focused on promoting a culture of tolerance and ongoing dialogue, integrating technology, ethics, philosophy, and theology into the discussion of the impact of scientific research on various aspects of human life.

Ventura hosted the president and founder of the Foundation Revert Onlus, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, who is also the president of the Roman Catholic Church’s Pontifical Academy for Life. According to a press release from Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, the archbishop’s visit to the center highlighted Paglia’s support for scientific advancements and research in health care between Emirate and Italian researchers and “his commitment to promoting peace and hope on a global scale.”

As a result of that visit, Ventura met Pope Francis at a ceremony in Vatican City recognizing the gravity of this global collaboration of stem cell researchers. Ventura’s description of that meeting underscores his time at Carey, and the impact of the school’s core values— relentless advancement, unwavering humanity, boundless curiosity, and collaborative leadership—on his professional journey.

“Meeting Pope Francis was an extraordinary honor,” said Ventura. “The meeting was significant not just for me, but for the shared goal of uniting communities in the spirit of humanity, science, and innovation.”

From Cuba, to Carey, and beyond

Ventura began his education and career in Cuba, where he had grown up inspired by his mother’s humanitarian work. He pursued a career in medicine in her honor and had a personal interest in the business of health. His goal was to receive a master’s degree in business from a renowned university.

“My degree in Health Care Management from Johns Hopkins University has been pivotal in my success, providing me with the knowledge and skills to navigate and excel in the health care and business landscape,” said Ventura. “It empowered me to take on leadership roles and drive innovation in health care delivery and research. The knowledge I've gained, along with the insights from my professors, has empowered me to take the leap into launching my own business and becoming an entrepreneur.”

And Ventura has, in fact, made a public name for himself. He was recently listed in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Healthcare Leaders of 2024, he has appeared on Abu Dhabi Stories hosted by Steve Harvey, and he has been featured by Oxford Business Group, Emirates News Agency, and more.

“With our positive clinical outcomes, the [center’s] impact extends to the broader medical community by setting new standards in transplant care and adopting innovations that enhance patient outcomes,” he said.

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