Abu Dhabi becomes global first to administer Itvisma gene therapy

Abu Dhabi marks a landmark achievement in becoming the first in the world to deliver ITVISMA (onasemnogene abeparvovec) for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), part of SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, successfully administered this groundbreaking gene therapy developed by Novartis, under the supervision of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate.

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This groundbreaking therapy received accelerated approval in the UAE on 25th November 2025, positioning the UAE among the first countries globally – after the USA – to endorse this pioneering treatment. This underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to bringing cutting-edge innovations to patients across the region.

ITVISMA is a one-time gene therapy specifically designed to target the underlying genetic cause of SMA in patients aged 2 years and older with a confirmed SMN1 gene mutation.

Designed for simplicity and long-term impact, ITVISMA replaces the missing SMN1 gene to improve motor function, reducing the need for continuous treatments required by other therapies.

Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of DoH, said, “By administering ITVISMA, we are proud to be among the first to provide this innovative treatment, further reinforcing our role as a leader and accelerator in advanced and innovative healthcare."

Bader Al Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer at SKMC, said, “Delivering the world’s first ITVISMA treatment at SKMC is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s integrated healthcare ecosystem under the leadership of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.”