Gene Therapy

Gene Therapy in Dubai offers advanced treatment options for selected genetic disorders such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by targeting specific genetic mechanisms. At Glamorous Clinic, before you undergo treatment, your specialist evaluates your genetic diagnosis, medical history, previous treatments, overall health, treatment goals and eligibility before determining whether Gene Therapy Dubai is appropriate for you. 

Quick Facts:

• Cost: From AED 100,000+
• Treatment Type: Advanced genetic therapy for selected disorders
• Treatment Method: Genetic material delivered to target cells
• Treatment Area: Cells affected by the genetic disorder
• Anesthesia: Depends on the selected gene therapy
• Treatment Duration: Varies depending on the specific therapy
• Results: Depend on the condition and individual response
• Side Effects: Infusion reactions, liver complications or treatment-specific risks
• Benefits: May target the underlying genetic cause
• Longevity: Varies depending on therapy and individual response 

What is Gene Therapy Dubai?

Gene Therapy Dubai refers to advanced medical treatment that uses genetic material to treat or modify certain genetic disorders. The genetic material can be used to replace or add a faulty gene, restore production of an important protein or change the way cells work, depending on the specific therapy.

Gene therapy is not a standard procedure but depends on the genetic disorder and therapy chosen. There are different approaches and eligibility specifications for gene therapy treatments for SMA and DMD. Your specialist must then verify the genetic diagnosis, check the relevant test results, and evaluate your health to make sure that a specific gene therapy treatment in Dubai is suitable for you. 

How Does It Work?

Our experts first verify the genetic condition and determine if you qualify for the chosen gene therapy. The treatment then delivers genetic material into specific cells to help replace, supplement or modify the genetic function affected by the disorder. It can be administered via an IV infusion or intrathecal injection, depending on the therapy. You will then be carefully medically monitored to check your response to the treatment and any potential side effects. 

What Is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?

• Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness. Most common forms of SMA result from changes affecting both copies of the SMN1 gene, which leads to insufficient production of survival motor neuron protein.
• This protein helps motor neurons remain healthy. When motor neurons are damaged or lost, the muscles they control become weak.
• SMA can begin during infancy, childhood or adulthood. The severity varies between individuals and earlier onset forms generally cause more severe weakness. Symptoms can include weak or floppy arms and legs, difficulty sitting, crawling or walking, breathing problems, swallowing difficulties and muscle twitching.
• The number of SMN2 gene copies can also influence the severity of SMA although it does not determine the course of disease on its own.

What Causes Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

Most common forms of SMA occur when a child inherits an altered copy of the SMN1 gene from both parents.

Parents who carry one altered SMN1 copy usually do not have SMA themselves. When both parents carry the relevant genetic change, each pregnancy has a 25% chance of resulting in a child with SMA, a 50% chance of producing a carrier and a 25% chance of producing a child who does not inherit the altered copies.

Genetic testing can confirm SMA and help specialists determine whether a patient may qualify for a specific SMA gene therapy.

A Beacon for Gene Therapy in the Gulf:

Dubai is becoming a regional destination for advanced gene therapy for selected rare and neuromuscular conditions such as SMA and DMD, giving eligible patients access to specialized genetic medicine within the Gulf. Treatment requires careful diagnosis, genetic testing and a detailed eligibility assessment while availability depends on the specific therapy, regulatory approval and the medical center. Specialized multidisciplinary teams can provide the neurological, genetic and medical monitoring required throughout the treatment journey.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy?

Symptoms can Include:

• Weakness of both the arms and legs
• Difficulty sitting independently
• Delayed crawling or walking
• Difficulty standing
• Reduced muscle strength
• Difficulty swallowing
• Breathing difficulties
• Scoliosis or any other bone and joint issues 

What Causes Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder caused by changes in the DMD Gene Therapy Treatment in Dubai, which provides instructions for making dystrophin, a protein that helps maintain the structure and stability of muscle cells. When dystrophin is absent or severely reduced, muscles become progressively weaker and damaged. DMD is an X-linked genetic disorder, meaning the genetic change occurs on the X chromosome and it mainly affects boys although females can develop symptoms in some cases. Symptoms usually begin in early childhood with muscle weakness often affecting the upper legs and arms first and gradually impacting mobility as well as the heart and respiratory muscles. 

Benefits of Getting the Procedure at Glamorous Clinic:

• May address the underlying genetic cause of selected inherited disorders.
• Can support the production of an important protein affected by a genetic mutation.
• May help preserve motor function in eligible patients with certain neuromuscular conditions.
• Can provide a treatment option for selected patients with SMA or DMD.
• Some approved gene therapies require only a single administration.
• May reduce the need for certain long term treatment approaches depending on the specific therapy.

Do’s and Don’ts When Taking Gene Therapy:

Do’s:

• Complete the recommended genetic testing before treatment.
• Provide your complete medical history.
• Tell your specialist about all medications and supplements.
• Complete required blood tests before treatment.
• Attend every required follow up appointment.
• Complete recommended liver, blood and cardiac monitoring where applicable.

Don’ts:

• Do not assume every genetic condition has an approved gene therapy.
• Do not choose a gene therapy based only on online information.
• Do not skip genetic eligibility testing.
• Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.
• Do not miss required blood tests or follow up appointments.
• Do not treat gene therapy as a cosmetic or routine outpatient procedure.

Cost of Gene Therapy Dubai:

The Average Cost of Gene Therapy in Dubai starts from AED 100,000 depending on the specific genetic condition, type of gene therapy, medical assessment, treatment requirements, specialist expertise and follow up care.

Gene Therapy Specialist in Dubai:

Gene therapy requires specialized care from experienced medical professionals familiar with the patient’s specific genetic condition. Dr. Vivek Mundada is a consultant paediatric neurologist at Medcare Women & Children Hospital, with a clinical focus on paediatric neurology, neuromuscular disorders and gene therapy. He has also been publicly associated with gene therapy care for conditions such as SMA and DMD. Patients should confirm the specialist’s qualifications, experience with their specific condition and access to appropriate gene therapy and follow up care before proceeding with treatment.

FAQ,S OF Gene Therapy in Dubai:

Book Your Consultation Today

If you want to explore Gene Therapy Treatment in Dubai for a selected genetic condition such as SMA or DMD, a professional consultation can help you understand whether the treatment may be suitable for you. At Glamorous Clinic, your consultation begins with an assessment of your genetic diagnosis, medical history, previous treatments, overall health and treatment goals before your specialist recommends the appropriate next steps.