SEHA, part of the PureHealth Group, has successfully treated a young Emirati woman diagnosed with Immunoglobulin 4-related disease (IgG4-RD) using the recently approved drug inebilizumab (Uplizna). This marks one of the first cases in the Middle East to receive this new therapy, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s leadership in healthcare, life sciences, and innovation, particularly in the management of rare diseases.
A Medical Milestone
Under the guidance of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, which continues to prioritise patient access to the latest globally approved, evidence-based treatments, inebilizumab was administered via intravenous infusion at the Rheumatology Department of Tawam Hospital, part of SEHA. The drug received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2025 as the first targeted therapy specifically for IgG4-RD.
IgG4-RD is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks organs and tissues. Symptoms often include unexplained swelling or the formation of masses in organs such as the salivary glands, pancreas, kidneys, or lungs. If left untreated, the condition can lead to severe pain, fatigue, reduced quality of life, and organ damage. Traditional treatments, including corticosteroids and other therapies, can be limited in effectiveness or associated with side effects.
Inebilizumab represents a breakthrough in precision medicine, targeting specific immune cells—B cells—that are believed to drive the disease, offering patients a new opportunity for long-term disease control with fewer adverse effects.
Commitment to Innovation and Patient Care
Dr Asma Ibrahim Al Manai, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, stated that this achievement reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to advancing life sciences, precision medicine, and specialised care for rare diseases, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global hub for healthcare innovation.
The success also highlights SEHA and PureHealth’s dedication to clinical excellence in rheumatology and rare disease care, while emphasising the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s focus on early patient access to advanced therapies within a safe, patient-centric healthcare system. Collectively, these efforts strengthen Abu Dhabi’s status as a regional leader in life sciences, innovation, and the delivery of cutting-edge healthcare services.
