HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister visits the world’s first sickle cell disease patient outside of the United States to successfully complete treatment with Casgevy
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, visited today the world’s first sickle cell disease patient outside the United States of America 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 Center.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to staying at the forefront of scientific advancements and integrating them into treatment and rehabilitation services for Bahrainis, underscoring this as a top priority.
His Royal Highness noted that directing efforts and resources toward this goal will not only enhance citizens’ health and wellbeing, but also strengthen the Kingdom’s health sector, in line with the far-reaching vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing its health sector and delivering world-class health care and medical treatments. His Royal Highness emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships with specialised international health institutions and organisations to ensure access to the latest medical and treatment technologies.
His Royal Highness congratulated the patient on the successful completion of the treatment and inquired about his health and well-being.
In line with His Majesty the King’s far-reaching vision and under 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 Center 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 United States, reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a global leader in precision medicine and innovative healthcare solutions.
His Royal Highness was accompanied by several senior officials.
