Roche Pharmaceuticals has made a monumental breakthrough in the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) with the availability of Elevidys in Qatar. Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has become the first hospital in Qatar and the fifth hospital globally to administer this life-saving gene therapy medication. DMD is a genetic disorder that primarily affects males, causing progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. Elevidys works by delivering a functional dystrophin gene into muscle and heart cells, slowing disease progression and enhancing muscle function. The drug was cleared by the FDA in June 2024 for use in children aged four and older.
Dr. Tawfeg Ben-Omran, the Division Chief of Genetics and Genomic Medicine at Sidra Medicine, expressed pride in the hospital’s extensive gene therapy program and its commitment to providing innovative treatments for genetic and rare diseases. Dr. Ben-Omran’s team, led by Dr. Khalid Ibrahim, focuses on diagnosis, medication, treatment, prevention, and research through precision medicine. Sidra Medicine’s administration of Elevidys to an international patient from Lebanon demonstrates the hospital’s expertise in handling advanced treatment protocols. With collaborations with pharmaceutical partners like Roche Pharmaceuticals, Sidra Medicine continues to offer cutting-edge treatments to patients from the region and beyond.
The Head of Roche Pharmaceuticals – Gulf Cluster, Dr. Ahmed Tawfik, highlighted the company’s dedication to providing hope to DMD patients through innovative therapies like Elevidys. The administration of Elevidys to the first patient in Qatar, Chris El Kik, marks a significant milestone in advancing healthcare in the country. Sidra Medicine’s dedication to providing specialized care for DMD patients is evident in the close monitoring and support services provided to Chris and his family. The hospital is equipped to handle the complexities of DMD treatment and is working towards making Elevidys available to more patients in the region.
Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer at Sidra Medicine, commended Qatar’s adoption of Elevidys as a testament to the country’s commitment to providing world-class care for children with rare diseases. The availability of Elevidys in Qatar solidifies the country’s position as a leader in advanced healthcare. With established protocols in place, Sidra Medicine aims to position itself as a trusted care provider and gene therapy center for DMD in the GCC and MENA region. The hospital is preparing to administer Elevidys to additional patients from Qatar and Kuwait, further expanding access to this life-saving treatment.
Sidra Medicine’s gene therapy program under the Genetic and Genomic Medicine clinic is dedicated to providing life-saving treatments for rare genetic disorders like DMD. The multidisciplinary team at Sidra Medicine, consisting of geneticists, neurologists, therapists, and pharmacists, is committed to delivering comprehensive care to patients from across the region. The hospital’s collaboration with international pharmaceutical partners like Roche Pharmaceuticals enables it to offer the most advanced treatments to patients in need. For inquiries about treatment options, interested individuals can contact Sidra Medicine’s Genetic and Genomic Medicine clinic.
