The kingdom is committed to staying at the forefront of scientific advancements and integrating them into treatment and rehabilitation services for Bahrainis, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, said yesterday.
This is a top priority, he said during a visit to the world’s first sickle cell disease patient outside the United States to successfully complete treatment with Casgevy (exagamglogene autotemcel), a CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy using bone marrow transplantation technology – at the Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Unit at the Royal Medical Services-Bahrain Oncology Centre.
HRH Prince Salman noted that directing efforts and resources towards this goal will not only enhance citizens’ health and well-being, but also strengthen the kingdom’s health sector, in line with the far-reaching vision of His Majesty King Hamad.
He reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to advancing its health sector and delivering world-class healthcare and medical treatments.
HRH Prince Salman emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with specialised international health institutions and organisations to ensure access to the latest medical and treatment technologies.
He congratulated the patient on the successful completion of the treatment and inquired about his health and well-being.
In line with His Majesty’s far-reaching vision and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to ensure the kingdom remains at the forefront of healthcare excellence for chronic and hereditary blood diseases, the National Health Regulatory Authority approved the treatment ‘Casgevy (Exa-cel)’ for patients with sickle cell anaemia (sickle cell) and beta-thalassemia, following a comprehensive evaluation of clinical trials and submitted data.
This achievement makes Bahrain the first country in the region and the second globally to approve the use of this treatment. Additionally, the Royal Medical Services – Bahrain Oncology Centre has achieved a historic medical achievement by successfully completing the treatment of a sickle cell disease patient using CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy, Casgevy (exagamglogene autotemcel), for bone marrow transplantation.
This marks the first successful treatment of its kind outside the US, reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a global leader in precision medicine and innovative healthcare solutions.
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