Abu Dhabi Gene Therapy Frees Thalassaemia Patient from Decades of Transfusions

Fahad, a 43-year-old Emirati man who spent decades managing transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia — requiring a blood transfusion every three to four weeks — has been freed from that regimen following gene therapy at Yas Clinic and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC). His treatment involved collecting his own stem cells, genetically modifying them to correct the faulty haemoglobin gene, and reinfusing them after preparatory conditioning therapy — a process taking approximately 12 days from collection to infusion. About 18 months after the procedure, Fahad remains under medical supervision and is no longer dependent on regular transfusions, reporting markedly improved energy levels. The ADSCC has now treated 30 patients using this approach, which offers a long-term solution for patients with inherited blood disorders who lack a suitable bone marrow donor. Senior Research Scientist Dr Loubna Abdel Hadi and Chief Medical Officer Dr Maysoon Al Karam led the clinical team. The development positions Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in advanced cell and gene therapy and was reported by Gulf News on October 22, 2026.