MANAMA, Bahrain, Dec. 02, 2023 (Globe Newswire) — Bahrain is the second country in the world and first in the Middle East to approve the use of Cath Geby (Exagam Glogen Autotemcel) to treat patients with sickle cell disease. It became a country of and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. The treatment was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics after a series of successful clinical trials in the UK, US, France, Italy, Germany and elsewhere.
Following the UK MHRA’s approval of CASGEVY for use, Bahrain becomes the second country in the world and the first in the region to approve the treatment.
This incredible development opens new possibilities for medical advancement and strengthens Bahrain’s commitment to pioneering medical solutions that provide a better quality of life for patients with these blood disorders.
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromicrepeats) is a revolutionary gene-editing technology with tremendous potential for treating a wide range of genetic diseases. By harnessing the power of CRISPR, scientists can transfuse uniquely edited stem cells into patients to produce fully functional hemoglobin, potentially treating diseases previously thought to be untreatable, such as sickle cell anemia. can give hope to patients with
By adopting innovative treatments, Bahrain not only demonstrates its commitment to improving the health and well-being of its people, but also positions itself at the forefront of medical advancement in the region.
Her Excellency Jaleela Jawad, Minister of Health, said: “This approval demonstrates Bahrain’s progressive approach to healthcare and its determination to remain at the forefront of scientific progress.”
Confirmation of approval by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) of the Kingdom of Bahrain was made following thorough analysis and review by the NHRA. Currently, sickle cell patients in Bahrain suffer from very limited treatment options available globally. One of the only treatments available for sickle cell disease other than bone marrow transplantation is the use of CASGEVY, a gene editing therapy.
Commenting on this, Dr. Ahmed Alansari, CEO of Bahrain’s National Health Regulatory Authority, said: This is a testament to our country’s visionary leadership, dedication to innovation, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our people while providing them with the highest quality of health care and well-being. ”
For more information, please contact the National Communication Center of the Kingdom of Bahrain at communication@ncc.gov.bh.