Last Updated on December 29, 2025 6:11 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / HEALTH DESK
Abu Dhabi has achieved a global milestone by becoming the first location worldwide to administer ITVISMA (onasemnogene abeparvovec), a breakthrough gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The landmark procedure reinforces the emirate’s growing reputation as a leading international healthcare hub and highlights its commitment to genomics-driven and precision medicine.
The therapy was successfully delivered at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), part of SEHA under PureHealth, under the supervision of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the emirate’s healthcare regulator. Developed by Novartis, ITVISMA is a one-time gene therapy designed to address the root genetic cause of SMA in patients aged two years and older with a confirmed SMN1 gene mutation.
The treatment received accelerated approval in the UAE on November 25, 2025, placing the country among the first globally—after the United States—to approve the innovative therapy. ITVISMA works by replacing the missing or defective SMN1 gene, helping improve motor function while reducing the need for long-term, ongoing treatments.
Health officials said the achievement reflects Abu Dhabi’s integrated healthcare ecosystem and its focus on rapid adoption of advanced medical innovations. Representatives from SKMC and Novartis emphasised that close collaboration among healthcare authorities, providers, and industry partners has enabled safe and timely access to life-changing therapies, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional and global reference for advanced neuromuscular care.