SEHA's Tawam Hospital Administers Groundbreaking Gene Therapy For Spinal Muscular Atrophy In 18-Month-Old Patient

(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) Abu Dhabi-UAE. May 2026 – SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, has revealed a significant medical milestone achieved at Tawam Hospital: the successful administration of gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in an 18-month-old female Omani.

The case involved an 18-month-old Omani girl who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is a rare but serious genetic condition that affects the nerves controlling muscle movement. Children with SMA gradually lose muscle strength, which can make it difficult for them to sit, crawl, walk, swallow, or even breathe, depending on the severity of the disease. Without treatment, SMA can worsen over time and can become life-threatening.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) occurs due to the absence or dysfunction of the SMN1 gene, which is essential for maintaining the health of motor neurones that control muscle movement. When this gene is missing or does not function properly, these neurones progressively deteriorate, leading to gradual muscle weakness over time.

To treat this underlying problem, the patient was offered a one-time gene replacement therapy. This advanced treatment works by providing the body with a healthy copy of the missing SMN1 gene, allowing the nerves to produce the protein needed to function properly. Unlike traditional treatments that only slow down the disease, this therapy targets the root cause of SMA.

Gene therapy has transformed the way doctors treat SMA around the world. Instead of managing symptoms alone, it gives children the chance to gain strength, improve their movement, and prevent the condition from worsening. For many families, this treatment represents a new chapter filled with hope, especially for a condition that was once considered untreatable.

For this young girl, it has opened a new chapter-one filled with hope, progress, and the possibility of reaching milestones that once felt out of reach.

The gene therapy was facilitated by Dr. Chaudhry Muhammad Mehtab Iqbal, Division Chief of Paediatric Neurologist, while under the support of a multidisciplinary team, including pharmacists, therapists and infusion unit staff to coordinate the therapy delivery. Collaboration across their expertise allowed for a thoughtful and safe administration of the therapy, in an organised manner, but also aligned with regulations and ethical safety measures that must be in place.

The successful implementation of this gene therapy was made possible through the leadership and guidance of the Chief of Paediatrics, with the support of the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Executive Officer of Tawam Hospital. This demonstrates Tawam Hospital's commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and aligning patient care

Working together collaboratively across the hospital's clinical departments, hospital administration, and support services, Tawam Hospital continues to provide leading-edge medical solutions rapidly and efficiently.

This instance shows how Tawam Hospital is making strides in cross speciality collaboration. The team-driven approach of the neurology, genetics, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and infusion teams, in partnership with Dr Iqbal, is demonstrative of the model of collaborative care that Tawam espouses and ties closely to Tawam's focus on medical innovation and holistic patient care.

This case reflects clinical success for Tawam and showcases Tawam Hospital's commitment to compassionate, patient-centred care. The care and attention provided to every part of the treatment was anxiety alleviating for the young patient, while optimising his quality of life and outcomes; values that Tawam Hospital fully adheres to when caring for patients and families facing life-limiting disorders.

Dr. Chaudhry Muhammad Mehtab Iqbal, Division Chief – Neurologist at SEHA's Tawam Hospital, said:“This case represents a breakthrough in paediatric neurology and genetic medicine. The administration of gene therapy for SMA is complex and requires careful planning, technical expertise, and teamwork. I am proud of our multidisciplinary team and the institutional commitment that made this a success. It demonstrates Tawam Hospital's continued commitment to delivering world-class care and hope to children and families affected by rare diseases.”

This achievement further establishes Tawam Hospital's in advanced paediatric care, led by shared vision and leadership from its senior medical and executive leadership teams. Tawam Hospital's commitment to innovation, collaboration and compassionate care drives the advancement of the future of genetic and neuromuscular medicine across the UAE and the region.

About PureHealth:

PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 110+ hospitals, 316+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments, and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare. The company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the Sscience of longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world.

PureHealth's network comprises:

SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE SEHA CLINICS – Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services Daman (The National Insurance Company) – The UAE's leading health insurer The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE Rafed – The UAE's largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi's first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment
Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK

Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) – the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus

PureCS – A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE's largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care

About SEHA:

SEHA is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company operates a big number of the public hospitals and clinics of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. SEHA is a PureHealth asset, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East.

SEHA is committed to continuously improving of customer care to recognised international standards and providing the community with world-class healthcare. SEHA operates 15 hospitals with over 2600 beds, 70 ambulatory care, family care, urgent care centres, 4 dialysis centres, and 4 blood banks. Its facilities accommodate 132,000 inpatients annually, conduct 52,000 surgeries, and treat more than 6.7 million outpatients.

SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East, with more than 20,000 doctors, nurses, ancillary care, and administrative personnel.

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