Watan-The Bahrain Oncology Center has accomplished a pioneering medical breakthrough by successfully treating a patient with sickle cell anemia using Casgevy (Exagamglogene Autotemcel)—a gene-editing therapy based on CRISPR technology for bone marrow transplantation.
This patient is the first outside the United States to be publicly confirmed as having received the treatment successfully, positioning Bahrain as a global leader in precision medicine and innovative healthcare solutions.
Bahraini Minister of Health, Dr. Jalila Hassan, stated that this achievement “reflects Bahrain’s commitment to integrating global medical innovations into its national health strategy and fostering partnerships between institutions to ensure broad access to life-changing treatments for all citizens.”
Bahrain Advances Precision Medicine with Groundbreaking Gene Therapy
This milestone marks a significant leap in precision medicine in Bahrain and the region. It follows Bahrain’s December 2, 2023, recognition as the second country in the world and the first in the Middle East to approve Casgevy for treating sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT) after undergoing a comprehensive assessment of safety, quality, and efficacy standards.
The transplantation process involves stimulating the patient’s bone marrow to produce large quantities of stem cells using specialized injections. These stem cells are then genetically modified to produce red blood cells containing a functional form of hemoglobin similar to that found in healthy individuals. The final stage involves reintroducing the modified cells into the patient’s bloodstream after rigorous quality and safety testing.
Bahrain Strengthens Leadership in Precision Medicine
Sheikh Fahd bin Salman Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Medical Services, expressed pride in Bahrain’s role as a leader in regional medical innovation:”Our success in delivering sickle cell anemia treatment through bone marrow transplantation using gene editing technology reflects Bahrain’s commitment to providing cutting-edge medical solutions and strengthening its regional leadership in precision medicine. This treatment offers new hope for patients with genetic blood disorders and underscores Bahrain’s growing role in healthcare innovation.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Edward Rowland, CEO of the Bahrain Oncology Center, emphasized that this achievement highlights the center’s “commitment to integrating advanced technology with global expertise.” He added that the success was made possible “after obtaining international accreditation for bone marrow transplantation services, reaffirming our dedication to enhancing available health solutions through precision medicine and collaboration with leading global institutions.”
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