A 43-year-old thalassaemia patient in Abu Dhabi no longer needs the blood transfusions he relied on every three to four weeks after receiving gene therapy. Treated through Yas Clinic and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, he is now transfusion-independent and remains under medical supervision. A significant personal milestone, and a promising development for specialist treatment in the UAE.

The details

A patient living with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia has become independent of regular blood transfusions following gene-therapy treatment in Abu Dhabi.

The 43-year-old patient, identified as Fahad, had spent years receiving blood transfusions every three to four weeks to manage his condition.

Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder affecting the body's ability to produce healthy haemoglobin. Severe cases can require regular transfusions, which may lead to additional complications such as iron overload.

Fahad was referred to Yas Clinic and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, where doctors determined that he was suitable for advanced gene therapy.

The treatment involved collecting his stem cells, genetically modifying them and returning them to his body after preparatory treatment.

He subsequently became transfusion-independent and continues to receive medical follow-up.

Doctors described the result as an important milestone in the availability of advanced therapies in the UAE.

The case demonstrates the potential of specialist gene therapy, although treatment suitability and outcomes differ between patients.