Abu Dhabi has marked a landmark achievement by becoming the first in the world to deliver ITVISMA (onasemnogene abeparvovec) gene therapy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
This milestone reinforces the emirate’s position as a leading global healthcare destination and highlights its commitment to patient care through genomics and precision medicine.
Under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health-Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), part of SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, successfully administered this groundbreaking gene therapy developed by Novartis.
ITVISMA is a one-time gene therapy specifically designed to target the underlying genetic cause of SMA in patients aged two years and older with a confirmed SMN1 gene mutation.
This groundbreaking ITVISMA therapy received accelerated approval in the UAE on 25 November 2025, positioning the UAE among the first countries globally, after the US, to endorse this pioneering treatment.
This underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge innovations to patients across the region. 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 Undersecretary – Abu Dhabi DoH
“This milestone reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to delivering worldclass care and strengthening its position as a global leader in healthcare driven by genomics and precision medicine. 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. Our priority remains safeguarding the health of our community members and beyond, ensuring access to cutting-edge therapies for rare diseases, supporting the emirate’s standing as a leading destination for medical tourism. This achievement is just one of many as we remain dedicated to accelerating treatment to life-changing therapies and providing patients with access to the latest advancements in healthcare.”
Bader Al Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer at SKMC, said that, “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. In line with PureHealth’s vision and DoH’s guidance in defining seamless care pathways, and facilitating collaboration with partners such as Novartis has enabled us to bring this life-changing therapy to our patients safely and efficiently.”
Mohamed Ezz Eldin, Head of the GCC Cluster at Novartis, said that the milestone centers on patients and families, underscoring close collaboration with the Abu Dhabi DoH and SKMC to accelerate access to ITVISMA and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for advanced neuromuscular care.
Abu Dhabi’s care pathways for rare genetic diseases such as SMA are built on an integrated model that ensures early screening, rapid diagnosis, specialist referral and timely access to treatment.
Abu Dhabi DoH fast-tracks assessments and access to innovative therapies, supported by the Newborn Genetic Screening Program, which uses whole genome sequencing to screen more than 815 treatable childhood genetic conditions, one of the most comprehensive programs worldwide.
