Bahraini Specialists First Outside US to Treat Sickle Cell with Gene Editing

TDT | Manama

Email : hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

A team of Bahraini specialists has successfully treated a patient with sickle cell disease using the revolutionary CRISPR gene-editing technology, making Bahrain the first country outside the United States to achieve this medical breakthrough.

The Ministry of Health and the Royal Medical Services announced the success at a press conference held at the Crown Prince Center for Training and Medical Research, marking a defining moment for healthcare in the kingdom.

The treatment, led by Bahraini medical experts, involved extracting the patient’s stem cells, genetically modifying them using CRISPR to correct the mutation responsible for sickle cell disease, and reinfusing the modified cells.

This groundbreaking approach eliminates the need for a bone marrow donor and offers a potential cure for patients suffering from the painful and life-threatening condition.

The procedure was carried out at the Bahrain Oncology Center, which was accredited by Vertex Pharmaceuticals in May 2024 as a recognised centre for bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapy.

This accreditation followed rigorous evaluation, further solidifying Bahrain’s credentials in advanced medical care.

Dr. Jamila Salman, a key figure in the project, highlighted the significance of the achievement. Speaking exclusively to The Daily Tribune, she said, “This therapy marks a turning point for sickle cell patients, offering them a future free from debilitating pain and complications.”

Minister of Health, Her Excellency Dr. Jalila bint Al-Sayed Jawad Hassan, hailed the success as a testament to Bahrain’s commitment to medical innovation.

“This milestone reinforces Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in precision medicine,” she said, emphasising the kingdom’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge treatments to enhance healthcare services.

Brigadier Dr. Sheikh Fahad bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Medical Services, also lauded the achievement.

“This success demonstrates our ability to tackle complex medical challenges while adhering to the highest standards of quality and patient safety,” he stated.

Bahrain was among the first countries to approve CRISPR-based treatment in December 2023, following extensive clinical evaluations.