UAE Approves Gene Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients
The Emirates Drug Authority has announced the approval of “Etivizma,” an innovative gene therapy that uses an adenoviral vector to address spinal muscular atrophy in adults and children from the age of two. With this decision, the United Arab Emirates becomes the second country in the world to grant approval for this treatment, reinforcing its leading position in accelerating access to advanced medical innovations for patients in the region.
Direct Impact of “Etivizma” Treatment
“Etivizma” focuses on the genetic cause of spinal muscular atrophy by compensating for the disease-causing gene. This approach significantly contributes to improving patients’ motor functions and reducing their reliance on long-term treatments. In light of this, the approval of “Etivizma” reflects the Emirates Drug Authority’s commitment to achieving its goals of providing effective treatments characterized by high value.
Efforts of the Emirates Drug Authority
This approval is part of the ongoing efforts of the Emirates Drug Authority to enhance the health of the UAE community by providing advanced treatments. Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the authority, stated: “The issuance of regulatory approval for ‘Etivizma’ represents a vital step that reflects the UAE’s commitment to providing the latest advanced gene therapies to patients, especially those suffering from rare genetic disorders such as spinal muscular atrophy.”
Al Kaabi praised the efficiency of the UAE healthcare system, highlighting its ability to evaluate and process innovative drugs according to the highest scientific standards. This approach ensures that patients can quickly access new treatment options capable of improving their quality of life.
New Horizons for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Treatment
Mohammed Ezz El-Din, Regional Director of Novartis, expressed the significance of the approval of “Etivizma” in the UAE, noting that this initiative aims primarily to serve patients and their families. The company is collaborating with the Emirates Drug Authority to ensure access to effective gene therapies, which represent a new opportunity for patients who previously did not have the chance to benefit from single-dose gene therapy.
Ezz El-Din also added that this achievement is part of Novartis’s steadfast commitment to helping change the disease trajectory of spinal muscular atrophy and reflects the company’s dedication to the field of neurology.
Innovative Strategy for Health Development
The regulatory approval of “Etivizma” comes within the framework of the Emirates Drug Authority’s strategy aimed at enhancing the country’s position as a regional hub for pharmaceutical innovation. A modern regulatory model focusing on precise governance, transparency, and global partnerships is being adopted to support research and development. Through this approach, the authority ensures that advanced drugs reach patients efficiently, enhancing the readiness of the healthcare sector in the country.
The approval of “Etivizma” contributes to improving the quality of healthcare in the UAE and is a significant step towards achieving the country’s vision of building a leading and sustainable healthcare system.