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Abu Dhabi Hospital Delivers World’s First Dose of Itvisma Gene Therapy for SMA

The UAE cleared the one-time SMN1-replacement treatment last month, signaling a push to draw patients seeking advanced neuromuscular care.

Overview

  • Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi administered the treatment under the supervision of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
  • Itvisma is a single-dose gene therapy that replaces the defective SMN1 gene for patients aged two years and older.
  • The UAE granted accelerated approval on November 25, becoming the second country to authorize the therapy after the United States.
  • Officials did not disclose the identity of the treated patient or the timing of the procedure.
  • Other UAE centers, including Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital in Dubai, are preparing to offer the therapy and anticipate international demand, with pricing yet to be announced but expected to be high.