{"id":379369,"date":"2025-12-31T12:34:34","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T12:34:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/379369\/"},"modified":"2025-12-31T12:34:34","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T12:34:34","slug":"abu-dhabi-hospital-becomes-first-in-world-to-administer-new-spinal-muscular-atrophy-drug","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/379369\/","title":{"rendered":"Abu Dhabi hospital becomes first in world to administer new spinal muscular atrophy drug"},"content":{"rendered":"

A leading Abu Dhabi hospital has become the first in the world to deliver a pioneering gene-therapy treatment that is poised to offer a lifeline to children and adults with spinal muscular atrophy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City successfully administered Itvisma, a one-dose drug<\/a> which works to replace the defective SMN1 gene responsible for the debilitating disease, under the supervision of the emirate’s Department of Health.<\/p>\n

Authorities did not reveal any details about the patient who received the treatment<\/a> or when the procedure took place. Nor did they reveal its price tag, although it is expected to be expensive as it works in a similar way to Zolgensma, which costs around $2 million per patient.<\/p>\n

The drug, developed by Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis, was given accelerated approval by the UAE on November 25, following clinical trials that demonstrated sustained improvements in patients’ motor abilities.<\/p>\n

It was only the second country \u2212 after the US \u2212 to approve the use of Itvisma, which targets children aged two and above, as well adults with SMA.<\/p>\n

For several years, doctors in the UAE have successfully been administering another gene-therapy drug, Zolgensma, to children with SMA. However, this medicine is suitable only for infants.<\/p>\n

SMA can cause severe disability and, in some cases, proves fatal in young children.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis milestone reflects Abu Dhabi\u2019s commitment to delivering world-class care and strengthening its position as a global leader in healthcare driven by genomics and precision medicine,\u201d said Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, undersecretary of the Department of Health on Sunday.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy administering Itvisma, we are proud to be among the first to provide this innovative treatment, further reinforcing our role as a leader and accelerator in advanced and innovative healthcare. <\/p>\n

\u201cOur priority remains safeguarding the health of our community members and beyond, ensuring access to cutting-edge therapies for rare diseases, supporting the emirate\u2019s standing as a leading destination for medical tourism. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis achievement is just one of many as we remain dedicated to accelerating treatment to life-changing therapies and providing patients with access to the latest advancements in healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bader Al Qubaisi, chief executive at SKMC, said: \u201cDelivering the world\u2019s first Itvisma treatment at SKMC is a testament to Abu Dhabi\u2019s integrated healthcare ecosystem under the leadership of the Department of Health \u2013 Abu Dhabi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mohamed Ezz Eldin, head of the GCC Cluster at Novartis, highlighted the significance of the milestone medical achievement for patients.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s milestone is ultimately about patients and families,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy working closely with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, and SKMC, we are proud to support accelerated access to breakthrough therapies such as Itvisma, and to contribute to Abu Dhabi\u2019s growing role as a regional and global reference for advanced neuromuscular care.\u201d<\/p>\n

SMA affects motor neurons, which are nerve cells that send impulses to the muscles, and causes limb weakness.<\/p>\n

Some people with the condition are unable or find it difficult to walk. SMA may also make swallowing and breathing difficult.<\/p>\n

Children who have the most severe form, Type 1, and who are not treated cannot sit unsupported and typically die before their second birthday, according to the US National Institutes of Health.<\/p>\n

Growing support network<\/p>\n

The first treatment in the Emirates comes after Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital in Dubai’s Al Qusais this week announced it was poised to become one of the first centres outside of the US to offer the SMA drug.<\/p>\n

Clinicians at the centre said they expect that patients will travel to Dubai from across the globe to receive the drug<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Results<\/p>\n

5pm: UAE Martyrs Cup (TB) Conditions Dh90,000 2,200m<\/p>\n

Winner: Mudaarab, Jim Crowley (jockey), Erwan Charpy (trainer).<\/p>\n

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh70,000 1,400m<\/p>\n

Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Richard Mullen, Hassan Al Hammadi.<\/p>\n

6pm: UAE Matyrs Trophy (PA) Maiden Dh80,000 1,600m<\/p>\n

Winner: Salima Al Reef, Jesus Rosales, Abdallah Al Hammadi.<\/p>\n

6.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Apprentice Championship (PA) Prestige Dh100,000 1,600m<\/p>\n

Winner: Bainoona, Ricardo Iacopini, Eric Lemartinel.<\/p>\n

7pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Ladies World Championship (PA) Prestige Dh125,000 1,600m<\/p>\n

Winner: Assyad, Victoria Larsen, Eric Lemartinel.<\/p>\n

8pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Group 1 Dh5,000,000 1,600m<\/p>\n

Winner: Mashhur Al Khalediah, Jean-Bernard Eyquem, Phillip Collington.<\/p>\n

THE LOWDOWN<\/p>\n

Photograph<\/p>\n

Rating: 4\/5<\/p>\n

Produced by: Poetic License Motion Pictures; RSVP Movies<\/p>\n

Director: Ritesh Batra<\/p>\n

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Farrukh Jaffar,\u00a0Deepak Chauhan, Vijay Raaz<\/p>\n

F1 The Movie<\/p>\n

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem<\/p>\n

Director: Joseph Kosinski<\/p>\n

Rating: 4\/5<\/p>\n

The%20Emperor%20and%20the%20Elephant<\/p>\n

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESam%20Ottewill-Soulsby%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPrinceton%20University%20Press%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E392%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJuly%2011%3C%2Fp%3E%0A<\/p>\n

Start-up hopes to end Japan’s love affair with cash<\/p>\n

Across most of Asia, people pay for taxi rides, restaurant meals and merchandise with smartphone-readable barcodes \u2014 except in Japan, where cash still rules. Now, as the country\u2019s biggest web companies race to dominate the payments market, one Tokyo-based startup says it has a fighting chance to win with its QR app.<\/p>\n

Origami had a head start when it introduced a QR-code payment service in late 2015 and has since signed up fast-food chain KFC, Tokyo\u2019s largest cab company Nihon Kotsu\u00a0and convenience store operator Lawson. The company raised $66 million in September to expand nationwide and plans to more than double its staff of about 100 employees, says founder Yoshiki Yasui.<\/p>\n

Origami is betting that stores, which until now relied on direct mail and email newsletters, will pay for the ability to reach customers on their smartphones. For example, a hair salon using Origami\u2019s payment app would be able to send a message to past customers with a coupon for their next haircut.<\/p>\n

Quick Response codes, the dotted squares that can be read by smartphone cameras, were invented in the 1990s by a unit of Toyota Motor to track automotive parts. But when the Japanese pioneered digital payments almost two decades ago with contactless cards for train fares, they chose the so-called near-field communications technology. The high cost of rolling out NFC payments, convenient ATMs and a culture where lost wallets are often returned have all been cited as reasons why cash remains king in the archipelago. In China, however, QR codes dominate.<\/p>\n

Cashless\u00a0payments, which includes credit cards, accounted for just 20 per cent of total consumer spending in Japan during 2016, compared with 60 per cent in China and 89 per cent in South Korea, according to a report by the Bank of Japan.<\/p>\n

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026 <\/p>\n

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years<\/p>\n

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.<\/p>\n

2. E-invoicing in the UAE<\/p>\n

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.\u00a0<\/p>\n

3. More tax audits<\/p>\n

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.\u00a0<\/p>\n

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime<\/p>\n

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.<\/p>\n

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit<\/p>\n

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.<\/p>\n

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement<\/p>\n

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

7. Limited time periods for audits<\/p>\n

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.\u00a0<\/p>\n

8. Pillar 2 implementation\u00a0<\/p>\n

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE’s implementation of the OECD\u2019s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.<\/p>\n

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services<\/p>\n

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus<\/p>\n

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups\u2019 global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer<\/p>\n

How to apply for a drone permit
\nIndividuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
\nAdd all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
\nUpload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
\nSubmit their request
\nWhat are the regulations?
\nFly it within visual line of sight
\nNever over populated areas
\nEnsure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
\nUsers must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
\nOnly fly the drone during the day, and never at night
\nShould have a live feed of the drone flight
\nDrones must weigh 5 kg or less
\nRESULTS<\/p>\n

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (Turf) 1,200m
Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O\u2019Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).<\/p>\n

5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Sawt Assalam, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.<\/p>\n

6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Foah, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel.<\/p>\n

6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Faiza, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.<\/p>\n

7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: RB Dixie Honor, Antonio Fresu, Helal Al Alawi.<\/p>\n

7.30pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: Boerhan, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.<\/p>\n

How much do leading UAE\u2019s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
\nNord Anglia International School (Dubai) \u2013 Dh85,032
\nKings School Al Barsha (Dubai) \u2013 Dh71,905
\nBrighton College Abu Dhabi – Dh68,560
\nJumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) \u2013 Dh59,728
\nGems Wellington International School \u2013 Dubai Branch \u2013 Dh58,488
\nThe British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) – Dh54,170
\nDubai English Speaking School \u2013 Dh51,269<\/p>\n

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024\/2025 academic year<\/p>\n

AUSTRALIA SQUAD<\/p>\n

Aaron Finch, Matt Renshaw, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A leading Abu Dhabi hospital has become the first in the world to deliver a pioneering gene-therapy treatment…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":379370,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[2226,49,48,84,4101,392,2225,1320,15797,46173],"class_list":["post-379369","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-healthcare","tag-abu-dhabi","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-health","tag-health-news","tag-healthcare","tag-standard","tag-story","tag-uae","tag-uae-desk-team"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/379369","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=379369"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/379369\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/379370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=379369"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=379369"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=379369"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}