Crown Prince of Bahrain Visits First Successful Sickle Cell Treatment Patient Outside US
Manama: His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, visited the world's first sickle cell disease patient outside the United States to successfully complete treatment with Casgevy, a CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy. The treatment was administered at the Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Unit at the Royal Medical Services – Bahrain Oncology Center.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad emphasized the Kingdom's dedication to integrating scientific advancements into treatment and rehabilitation services. This commitment aligns with the broader vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to enhance citizens' health and wellbeing and strengthen the Kingdom's health sector.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad reiterated Bahrain's commitment to advancing its health sector by delivering world-class healthcare and medical treatments. He highlighted the significance of forging partnerships with international health institutions to ensure access to cutting-edge medical technologies.
During the visit, His Royal Highness congratulated the patient on the successful completion of the treatment and inquired about his health and well-being. He was accompanied by several senior officials.
Under the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the National Health Regulatory Authority approved the treatment 'CASGEVY (Exa-cel)' for patients with sickle cell anaemia and beta-thalassemia. This approval followed a thorough evaluation of clinical trials and submitted data, positioning Bahrain as the first country in the region and the second globally to authorize the use of this treatment.
The Royal Medical Services – Bahrain Oncology Center has achieved a historic milestone by completing the treatment of a sickle cell disease patient using Casgevy for bone marrow transplantation. This accomplishment marks the first successful treatment of its kind outside the United States, strengthening Bahrain's status as a leader in precision medicine and innovative healthcare solutions.
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