Research Program

OSCR

The primary focus of this program is to develop the facility and the know how technology in stem cell research related to osteoporosis that will be translated into innovative and synergistic environment whereby outcomes of basic scientific research are translated into break through therapies for patients with osteoporosis and/or fractures.  It will also create an environment that will enhance the development of expertise in stem cell research together with postgraduate education training and carrier development for Saudis working in health care provision and/or stem cell research future biotechnology. Through this program, the CEOR will focus on supporting new areas of inquiry to facilitate the transfer of biotechnology related to stem cell, more collaborative multidisciplinary research activities and may contribute to the development of outcomes that will 

Have a positive impact on the diagnosis, management and therapy of osteoporosis and quality of life of patients at risk of or with the disease.

General Objectives of OSCR

•   To apply a multi-disciplinary research approach for the development of possible therapies for osteoporosis using mesenchymal stem cells MSCs and related technologies.
•   To develop postgraduate educational and research opportunities (PhD and post-doctorial fellowship programs) by providing supervision, facilities, research experience and links with international research groups and institutes in osteoporosis MSCs stem cell research.
•   To enhance awareness among the local community and the Saudi public at large together with various governmental and private sector agencies about the potential value of MSCs research in osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
•   To source out partnerships with governmental and/or private sector agencies to advance outstanding MSCs research outcomes towards clinical trials and consequently to test possible application in clinical practice.
•   To create an environment that will facilitate the transfer of stem cell research technology to institutes of higher education and to medical research centers in Saudi Arabia.
•   To create commercial spin-off opportunities using stem cell research and technology in Saudi Arabia.
•   To establish international academic and scientific research links with distinguished international OSCR groups. 

OCR

The main foci of the OCR program involve the study of the epidemiology of low BMD or osteoporosis in Saudi men and women in relation to risk factors and fractures. Evaluation of bone turnover markers in relation to risk factors and osteoporosis, and to propose a new criteria for stratifying BMD and osteoporosis in men (as compared to women) Establishing reference ranges for quantitativeultrasonometry (QUS) measurements  of in Saudi men and women in relation to osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. The burden of osteoporosis in the Saudi population will be determined. The pattern and types of fractures will be evaluated in a sample of Saudi men and women at risk of or with osteoporosis and a “Fracture Registry” system will be established in Makkah Region accordingly. Postgraduate educational and research opportunities will be made available together with awareness

Activities among the community, governmental and private sector agencies in relation to osteoporosis diagnosis, management, therapy and prevention. Partnership with national and international biotechnology and healthcare industries and links will be established to advance outstanding research outcomes into osteoporosis and transfer of technology to Saudi Arabia.

General Objectives

•  Continue studying the epidemiology of osteoporosis and low BMD in Saudi men and women in relation to risk factors and fractures.
•  Continue to evaluate the effect of clinical risk factors for osteoporosis on bone turnover in both Saudi men and women.
•  Continue to study Vitamin D status in a sample of Saudi men and women (including children) in relation to bone health.
•  Develop QUS reference ranges for Saudi men and women and to harmonize QUS procedures for standardized clinical use in Saudi Arabia.
•  Determine the power of QUS approaches for identification of Saudi men and women at risk for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures.
•  Determine the burden of osteoporosis in Saudi men and women.
•  Study the pattern and types of fractures in the Makkah Region.
•  Develop and establish a fracture a fracture registry.
•  Support the various CEOR osteoporosis research programs by technical, 
  administrative and support-services (diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, cell culture facilities, and information technology).
•  Create an environment that will facilitate the transfer of diagnostic technologies related to osteoporosis to institutes of higher education and to medical research centers in Saudi Arabia.
•  Develop postgraduate educational and research opportunities (MSc/PhD programs) by providing supervision, facilities, research experience and links with international research groups and institutes in the screening and diagnosis of osteoporosis.
•  Establish international scientific collaborations and links with distinguished international osteoporosis research groups.