Emirates Health Services spearheads project aimed at treating rare neurological and genetic disorders, Autism and rare brain disorders in children.
The UAE has unveiled two groundbreaking gene therapy initiatives aimed at treating rare neurological and genetic disorders in children, marking a shift from symptom management to addressing the root causes of disease.
Led by Emirates Health Services (EHS), the first project focuses on monogenic autism and epilepsy-linked conditions, including rare disorders such as BPAN. The programme will use advanced gene delivery systems designed to target specific brain cells, improving treatment precision, safety, and long-term outcomes while potentially reducing costs.
Developed in collaboration with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the initiative combines global expertise with local research to expand advanced treatment options for children in the UAE.
The second project centres on innovative genetic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, including gene repair techniques, cell-based therapies, and biomarker identification to better track disease progression and treatment response. Artificial intelligence and data from the Emirati Genome Programme will support early diagnosis and personalised interventions.
EHS officials describe the projects as a strategic step toward innovation-driven healthcare, strengthening the UAE’s position in advanced medicine and improving quality of life for children and their families.
Source: Gulf News
