Second in the world.. The UAE adopts gene therapy to treat patients with spinal muscular atrophy
Emirates Pharmaceutical Company approves the drug “Etvizma” to treat patients with spinal muscular atrophy
Dubai, December 20, WAM / The Emirates Medicines Corporation has confirmed that issuing regulatory approval for the drug “Itvisma” represents a pivotal step that reflects the country’s commitment to providing the latest advanced genetic treatments to patients, especially those suffering from rare genetic diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy. It also embodies the efficiency of the health system in the Emirates and its ability to evaluate and approve innovative medicines according to the highest scientific standards and in effective periods of time, ensuring that patients have rapid access to pioneering treatment options that enhance their quality of life.
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Foundation, said that the approval of this drug is based on the results of clinical studies that demonstrated a clear improvement in the motor capabilities of patients and the sustainability of these benefits in the long term, in addition to the positive safety profile that the treatment showed during the clinical evaluation stages.
She added that the fact that the UAE grants regulatory approval for this treatment reflects its leadership in adopting and approving advanced pharmaceutical technologies, and enhances international confidence in the ability of its regulatory model to achieve an accurate equation that combines speed, accuracy, and transparency, ensuring that innovative treatments reach patients in a timely manner.
Al Kaabi stressed that the Emirates Pharmaceutical Corporation will continue to support medical innovation and adopt modern treatments that improve the quality of life, in line with the country’s vision to build a pioneering health sector based on knowledge, efficiency and sustainability.
The Emirates Medicines Corporation announced the approval of the drug “Itvisma”, which is a gene therapy based on an adenoviral vector, which is used to treat spinal muscular atrophy in adults and children from the age of two years and above who are medically qualified. With this decision, the UAE becomes the second country in the world to grant approval for this treatment, which strengthens its leadership in accelerating the arrival of advanced medical innovations to patients in the region.
The regulatory approval of the drug “Etvizma” reflects the Emirates Drug Corporation’s strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a regional center for pharmaceutical innovation, by providing advanced gene therapies at the highest level of quality and safety, as the corporation employs a modern regulatory model that relies on careful governance, transparency, and global partnerships, to support research and development and adopt the latest technologies and integrated care.
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