Camel milk and biotechnology: A medical treasure that transcends folklore
Although camel milk accounts for only 0.4% of global milk production, this small percentage masks a vast scientific and economic potential that has recently begun to emerge. Camel milk is no longer merely a traditional food for desert dwellers; it has become a key raw material in cutting-edge biotechnology research and health innovation, opening up promising avenues for advanced medical treatments and sustainable food security solutions.
The Year of the Camel: A Strategic Turning Point
This growing interest aligns with the national context in Saudi Arabia, particularly with the designation of 2024 as the "Year of the Camel." This initiative was not merely a celebration of the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage, but rather a launchpad for integrating this heritage component into the knowledge-based economy. Saudi research institutions are working to leverage the unique biological characteristics of camels, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading global center for camel research and its medical applications.
A specialized workshop at King Abdulaziz University
In this context, the King Fahd Medical Research Center at King Abdulaziz University organized a specialized workshop entitled “Camel Research,” under the theme “Camels at the Crossroads of Health Innovation and Biotechnology.” The workshop aimed to highlight the potential of camels as a platform for developing future treatments and to link the outputs of scientific research with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in the health and technology sectors.
The "nanobody" revolution and precision therapies
One of the most important topics explored during the workshop was the use of camel antibodies, scientifically known as nanobodies. These antibodies are characterized by their small size and high stability compared to human antibodies, making them ideal for penetrating tissues and cells with extreme precision. This field represents a scientific breakthrough that promises the development of effective treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and even intractable viruses, as these molecules can be engineered to deliver medication directly to infected cells without harming healthy cells.
Food security in the face of climate change
Beyond the medical aspect, experts discussed the strategic dimension of camels in achieving food security. In light of climate change and global water scarcity, camels stand out as highly efficient feed converters with a unique ability to produce in arid and semi-arid environments. This makes camel milk a sustainable option for the future of food, compared to cows, which consume enormous quantities of water and feed, thus reinforcing the importance of investing in camel breeds and improving their productivity.
A select group of experts are drawing up the roadmap
The workshop featured a distinguished group of scientists and researchers who offered in-depth insights on these topics, including Dr. Thamer Al-Andijani, a specialist in virology; Dr. Faisal Al-Zahrani, a professor of molecular biology; Dr. Sharif Al-Kafrawi; Dr. Hisham Tayeb; Dr. Alaa Khader; and Dr. Ayman Abbas. The speakers unanimously agreed on the need to intensify research on common viruses and methods of prevention to ensure the safety of camel-derived products and maximize their therapeutic benefits.
In conclusion, these scientific movements confirm that camels are not just a ship of the desert in the past, but a lifeboat towards a healthier, more sustainable and innovative nutritional future.
