Dubai:A medical team in Dubai has successfully halted severe epileptic seizures in an infant named Adnan, who had been experiencing 110 seizures daily. The seizures ceased within 30 minutes of administering an advanced experimental treatment.
According to Emirates News Agency, the treatment was made possible in Dubai through collaboration between federal and local health authorities and a leading private hospital. This eliminated the need for the child to travel abroad for treatment.
The infant suffers from a rare genetic form of epilepsy and had not responded to seven previous treatment approaches. After advanced genetic testing identified the genetic cause, doctors at King's College Hospital London - Dubai accessed an experimental treatment through a compassionate use pathway, supported by the Emirates Drug Establishment and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Adnan received his first dose of ABS-1230 on September 14, 2026, and was discharged from the hospital on September 21, 2026. No clinical seizures were observed during follow-ups until October 11, 2026, with the child showing progress in growth and development. He remains seizure-free, and data from the treatment's developer indicates Adnan is the youngest patient globally to receive ABS-1230 and only the second infant worldwide to be given this experimental medication.
The case showcases Dubai's growing capabilities in precision medicine, with its healthcare system uniting advanced diagnostics, specialist expertise, and regulatory cooperation to provide promising treatments for rare and complex conditions. Whole-genome sequencing enabled the medical team to identify a disease-causing genetic variant, allowing them to explore targeted treatment options after conventional medicines failed.
The treatment, ABS-1230, is an experimental oral medication targeting abnormal activity in ion channels linked to this rare epilepsy type. Although under investigation in international trials and not yet approved for commercial use, the treatment was made available locally through a coordinated effort involving Dubai's healthcare and regulatory authorities.
The collaboration between the DHA, the Emirates Drug Establishment, and King's College Hospital London - Dubai enabled rapid access to the treatment, with approvals completed swiftly. This case highlights the integration of Dubai's healthcare system, combining regulatory oversight with accelerated access to innovative treatments while adhering to safety and governance controls.
Asma Al Sharif of the DHA and Ahmad Alhumairi of the Emirates Drug Establishment emphasized the importance of such integration in responding to unmet treatment needs while ensuring patient safety. Professor Ubaid Shah, who led the medical team, praised Dubai's rapid response and highlighted the significance of precision medicine in treating rare diseases.
Kimberley Pierce, CEO of King's College Hospital London - Dubai, noted the achievement as a milestone for Adnan and his family, reflecting the advanced capabilities of Dubai's health sector. Adnan continues to receive regular outpatient follow-ups, with ongoing evaluation to assess the treatment's long-term effects. The case underscores the importance of early genetic diagnosis and collaboration in accessing emerging treatments, reinforcing Dubai's status as a global destination for advanced healthcare.
