Bahrain makes medical history: First in Mideast to approve revolutionary sickle cell treatment

TDT | Manama                                                        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the second country globally and the first in the Middle East to greenlight the utilisation of CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel) for treating patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia.

This groundbreaking treatment, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, underwent successful clinical trials in various countries, including the UK, US, France, Italy, and Germany.

This decision aligns with the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, who prioritises ensuring top-notch healthcare services for the nation’s citizens. Bahrain’s approval of CASGEVY, following the UK MHRA’s authorization, makes it the second country globally and the first in the region to endorse this transformative treatment.

The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) explained that CASGEVY relies on blood transfusion, involving the extraction of stem cells from an eligible patient and reintroducing a healthy copy of the stem cells into the body.

Efforts are currently underway to identify the target groups and eligible patients who can benefit from this innovative treatment. Dr. Ahmed Alansari, the CEO of the National Health Regulatory Authority in Bahrain, stated, “The approval of the use of CASGEVY in Bahrain marks a significant turning point in the array of treatments on offer to Bahrainis.”