As part of ongoing collaboration to localize gene-editing technology and provide treatments for genetic blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia) — following a groundbreaking achievement that marks the first application of such treatment outside clinical trials and research for genetic blood disorder therapies.
the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs hosted a delegation from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the visit was attended by His Excellency Dr. Bandar Al Knawy, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, and Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
During the visit, the delegation toured King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh and met the first two patients in the world who received the gene therapy (Casgevy) using CRISPR gene-editing technology within the Health Affairs facilities five months ago. Both patients have since fully recovered.
This focus on treating genetic blood disorders reflects significant progress in the fields of cellular therapies and stem cell transplantation. It underscores the commitment of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs to advancing medical innovation, developing novel therapeutic solutions, and localizing advanced healthcare technologies.