Abu Dhabi introduces CRISPR gene therapy to treat genetic blood diseases

The Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) has announced that the UAE has introduced the innovative CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing therapy for the first time. This treatment opens new perspectives for patients suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT).

The method involves extracting stem cells from the patient's bone marrow, genetically editing them in the laboratory and then reimplanting them into the body. This is reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables precise DNA editing, which opens up the possibility of treating genetic diseases by targeting and altering specific DNA sequences.

"Our goal is to establish the world's most efficient healthcare system through the adoption of the latest innovations and promising technologies," said Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved the use of the innovation to treat patients aged 12 years and older with sickle cell disease and thalassemia.