Health Ministry and Royal Medical Services Announce Bahrain's First CRISPR-Based Sickle Cell Treatment Success
According to Bahrain News Agency, the press conference discussing the medical milestone was held at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research. It was attended by Dr. Jaleela bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health; Brigadier Dr. Shaikh Fahad bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Medical Services; Dr. Jamila Mohammed Redha Al Salman, Shura Council member and director of the gene therapy project; and Dr. Noora Mohammed Yusuf Butti, representative of the Bahrain Oncology Centre.
The Minister of Health emphasised Bahrain's commitment to medical innovation, with strong support from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. She noted that Bahrain was among the first countries to approve CRISPR-based gene editing therapy in December 2023, becoming the first in the Middle East and the second globally, after the UK, to authorise its use for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent thalassemia.
The Minister highlighted Bahrain's ongoing investment in advanced medical infrastructure, facilities, and technology. She noted that the nation's efforts have led to acquiring innovative genetic therapy technology that positively impacted the quality of life for hemoglobinopathy patients.
Brigadier Dr. Shaikh Fahad bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa highlighted the Kingdom of Bahrain's focus on world-class healthcare. He noted that in May 2024, the Bahrain Oncology Centre was accredited by Vertex Pharmaceuticals for bone marrow transplantation and cell cellular therapy. The achievement was made possible through collaboration between the ministry, Government Hospitals, the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA), and global partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics.
Dr. Jamila Mohammed Redha Al Salman, Shura Council member and director of the gene therapy project, highlighted that the modern technology used in the patient's treatment was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020. She explained that the treatment process involves medical evaluation, stem cell collection, genetic modification using CRISPR, and transplanting the edited cells into the patient. The therapy eliminates symptoms such as pain crises and blood clots, significantly improving quality of life for these patients.
Dr. Noora Mohammed Yusuf Butti outlined the different treatment phases the patient underwent as part of the treatment process. The first stage involved patient selection, which required comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations to ensure eligibility in line with the clinical trial results. She explained that the patient then underwent physiological conditioning of the bone marrow through blood exchange in preparation for the transplantation.
The third stage involved stem cell collection, where the patient was given medication to stimulate bone marrow production of stem cells. These cells were then collected and sent to specialised centres for genetic modification. Dr. Butti stated that after the genetic editing of the cells, the patient was admitted to the Bahrain Oncology Centre for the conditioning phase where he was administered medication to eliminate old bone marrow prior to the introduction of the genetically edited stem cells. The edited stem cells were then reintroduced into the bloodstream through the arteries, without the need for surgery.
The final stage involved the recovery of the bone marrow cells and the patient's full remission from sickle cell disease. Dr Noora emphasised that the entire treatment process, which spans several months, requires full cooperation between the patient and medical team, as well as strict adherence to medical instructions and guidelines for optimal results.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
30-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Royal Medical Services Achieve Milestone with 100 Successful Robotic Surgeries
The Royal Medical Services has reached a groundbreaking medical milestone by successfully performing 100 surgeries using the advanced Hugo RAS robotic surgery system, becoming the first medical institution in the Middle East to achieve this feat. Brigadier Dr. Shaikh Fahad bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Medical Services, described the achievement as a 'major leap in surgical care' that reflects the hospital's commitment to adopting the latest medical innovations and enhancing patient outcomes. 'The use of the Hugo RAS system not only speeds up patient recovery but also delivers exceptional surgical results in line with the highest international standards,' he said, praising the dedication and skill of the hospital's medical and technical teams. The cutting-edge Hugo RAS system features a 3D camera and four robotic arms equipped with highly precise surgical tools. Surgeons control the system remotely via a console, enabling them to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy, flexibility, and reduced risk of infection compared to traditional surgeries. The 100 surgeries included a wide range of procedures in urology, general surgery, and gynecology. These involved complex operations such as kidney removals (partial and radical), prostate removal, ureteroplasty, hernia repairs, colon surgery (including TATME), ovarian cyst removal, hysterectomy, and fibroid removal. All surgeries were completed successfully, with no significant complications and faster patient recovery times. The Royal Medical Services highlighted that the use of robotic surgery has significantly reduced hospital stays and enhanced the quality of care, marking a new era in the Kingdom's healthcare system. This achievement reflects the institution's ongoing efforts to provide safe, effective, and technologically advanced healthcare, cementing its reputation as a regional leader in modern medicine.
Daily Tribune
28-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Urgent need for ‘global approach' on AI regulation: UN tech chief
The world urgently needs to find a global approach on regulating artificial intelligence, the United Nations' top tech chief said this week, warning that fragmentation could deepen risks and inequalities. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, head of the UN's International Telecommunications Union (ITU) agency, told AFP she hoped that AI 'can actually benefit humanity'. But as concerns mount over the risks posed by the fast-moving technology -- including fears of mass job losses, the spread of deepfakes and disinformation, and society's fabric fraying -- she insisted that regulation was key. 'There's an urgency to try to get... the right framework in place,' she said, stressing the need for 'a global approach'. Her comments came after US President Donald Trump this week unveiled an aggressive, low-regulation strategy aimed at ensuring the United States stays ahead of China on AI. Among more than 90 proposals, Trump's plan calls for sweeping deregulation, with the administration promising to 'remove red tape and onerous regulation' that could hinder private sector AI development. Asked if she had concerns about an approach that urges less, not more, regulation of AI technologies, Bogdan-Martin refrained from commenting, saying she was 'still trying to digest' the US plan. 'Critical' 'I think there are different approaches,' she said. 'We have the EU approach. We have the Chinese approach. Now we're seeing the US approach. I think what's needed is for those approaches to dialogue,' she said. At the same time, she highlighted that '85 percent of countries don't yet have AI policies or strategies'. A consistent theme among those strategies that do exist is the focus on innovation, capacity building and infrastructure investments, Bogdan-Martin said. 'But where I think the debate still needs to happen at a global level is trying to figure out how much regulation, how little regulation, is needed,' she said. Bogdan-Martin, who grew up in New Jersey and has spent most of her more than three-decade career at the ITU, insisted the Geneva-based telecoms agency that sets standards for new technologies was well-placed to help facilitate much-needed dialogue on the issue. 'The need for a global approach I think is critical,' she said, cautioning that 'fragmented approaches will not help serve and reach all'. As countries and companies sprint to cement their dominance in the booming sector, there are concerns that precautions could be thrown to the wind -- and that those who lose the race or do not have the capacity to participate will be left behind. 'Huge gap' The ITU chief ha i l e d 'mind-blowing' advances within artificial intelligence, with the potential to improve everything from education to agriculture to health care -- but insisted the benefits must be shared. Without a concerted effort, there is a risk that AI will end up standing for 'advancing inequalities', she warned, cautioning against deepening an already dire digital divide worldwide. 'We have 2.6 billion people that have no access to the internet, which means they have no access to artificial intelligence', Bogdan-Martin pointed out. 'We have to tackle those divides if we're actually going to have something that is beneficial to all of humanity.' Bogdan-Martin, the first woman to serve as ITU secretary-general in the organisation's nearly 160-year history, also stressed the need to get more women into the digital space. 'We have a huge gap,' she said. 'We definitely don't have enough women... in artificial intelligence.' The 58-yearold mother of four said it was 'a big honour' to be the first woman in her position, to be 'breaking the glass ceiling (and) paving the path for future generations'. But she acknowledged there was a lot of pressure, 'not just to achieve, but to almost overachieve'. Bogdan-Martin, who is being backed by the Trump administration to stand for re-election when her four-year mandate ends next year, said she was eager to stay on for a second term.
Gulf Insider
25-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
UAE Markets Free Of Salmonella-Contaminated Pistachio Spread
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in coordination with local regulatory authorities, has confirmed that the product 'Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream With Kadayef' under the Emek brand, which is manufactured outside the UAE, is not available in local markets. The product has been marketed as a chocolate inspired by the flavors of Dubai Chocolate. The ministry clarified that the widely known and available Dubai Chocolate products sold in the UAE are free from any Salmonella contamination. This clarification follows a statement issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which confirmed that the affected product is limited to US markets. The ministry emphasized that the warning refers to a product being marketed under the Dubai Chocolate label, stressing that this product — manufactured abroad — is merely inspired by the distinctive flavours associated with the original Dubai Chocolate, a name commonly referring to the products of FIX Dessert Chocolatier, a Dubai-based brand known for its luxurious chocolates infused with flavors inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. These products are subject to the highest safety and quality standards. The ministry reiterated its ongoing commitment to monitoring food safety and protecting public health, in coordination with all relevant authorities. An American retail company had recently recalled a batch of Dubai Chocolate due to concerns over possible Salmonella contamination. The FDA published the recall notice and upgraded its risk level to Class I — the most serious classification. According to the FDA notice, the company World Market recalled the 'Emek Spread Pistachio CaCao Cream With Kadayef' product due to possible Salmonella contamination. The affected items were distributed between June 11 and July 9, 2025. The recall was initiated after product samples tested positive for Salmonella during routine FDA inspections. The recall was first issued on July 14 and was escalated to a Class I recall three days later, as reported by Newsweek magazine. Salmonella is a pathogen that can cause serious, and sometimes fatal, infections — particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the American company's statement, healthy individuals infected with Salmonella may experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The statement added: 'In rare cases, the infection may spread to the bloodstream and lead to more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (e.g., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, or arthritis.' Although the recall was prompted by positive test results for Salmonella, no illnesses have been reported to date. Dubai Chocolate, a pistachio and kadayef-filled chocolate bar, gained viral popularity on TikTok in 2024. The original chocolate bar was created by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai but has since been replicated and modified by various brands, including Emek Gıda, whose product was affected by the current recall. FIX Dessert Chocolatier, a dessert brand founded in Dubai by Sara Hammouda, originated the pistachio-kadayef chocolate bar concept. Renowned Filipino pastry chef Noel Katis was brought on board by FIX to help develop the bar, which has since seen widespread popularity. Last month, the UK's Food Standards Agency reported that certain Dubai-style chocolates sold in UK retail markets may not comply with national standards and could contain banned additives or colorants.
