Gene therapy ends decades of blood transfusions for man in Abu Dhabi
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In Abu Dhabi, Fahad, a 43-year-old man, received gene therapy that ended his decades-long reliance on blood transfusions for Thalassaemia, an inherited blood disorder.
For most of his life, Fahad scheduled his life around regular transfusions, medications, and hospital visits. After medical evaluations determined he was a suitable candidate, doctors at Yas Clinic & ADSCC collected and genetically modified his stem cells before reinfusing them. Dr.
Loubna Abdel Hadi of Yas Clinic & ADSCC explained that the team performs quality tests to ensure the genetic modification is successful, using each patient’s own T cells to create personalized treatment. Fahad said the medical team was transparent about the risks and benefits of the treatment, which helped him make an informed decision. The process took 12 days from cell collection to infusion, as the clinic manufactures the therapy locally.
Following the treatment, Fahad no longer requires blood transfusions and has experienced improved energy levels. He hopes his experience will raise awareness about Thalassaemia and reduce misunderstandings surrounding the condition. Yas Clinic & ADSCC has now treated 30 patients with this therapy, with plans to expand access and build local expertise in advanced healthcare across the region.
