Uzbekistan plans to establish a cell technology center named BIOME. This center is envisioned as a comprehensive platform covering the entire workflow: from working with cells and conducting research to production and subsequent application in medical institutions. The main goal of the project is to transform Uzbekistan into one of the world's leading centers for cell therapy.
According to information provided by the country's Academy of Sciences, a memorandum on the establishment of this center was signed in Seoul with the participation of the heads of state of Uzbekistan and Korea. The initial idea for the project arose at the Advanced Technologies Center, where work on its implementation has already begun.
BIOME represents an integrated ecosystem that combines biomedical data, genomes, and the cells themselves. Cell-based technologies allow for the development of pharmaceuticals from living cells, which are used to treat tumors and regenerate damaged tissues. For such a system to operate successfully, it requires modern laboratory equipment, high-quality cellular raw materials, production capabilities, data processing power, and close interaction with clinical institutions.
A biobank will be formed within the framework of the project to collect collections of cellular material. Genomic studies are intended to ensure the safety assessment and characteristics of cell lines, while bioinformatics, together with artificial intelligence, will ensure the integrity of the entire system.
The Advanced Technologies Center already operates the first stem cell bank in Uzbekistan, containing over 1,200 samples. These cell products are used in burn treatment, as well as in ophthalmology and maxillofacial surgery. Furthermore, a drug based on NK cells has been developed there to combat oncological diseases. Concurrently, the '1000 Genomes of Uzbekistan' project is being implemented, which includes data from over 1,200 participants. The new center is designed to unite all these areas into a single infrastructure.
It was previously reported that during the visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to South Korea, the parties reached an agreement to give new impetus to their special strategic partnership. During this trip, the Uzbek side also proposed to Korean companies to increase their investments in Uzbekistan and participate in its technological development.



