A young infant suffering from a severe, rare form of epilepsy has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing an experimental treatment at King’s College Hospital London in Dubai. The baby, named Adnan, was enduring roughly 110 seizures a day, which persisted despite seven previous failed medical attempts. After doctors identified a specific genetic variant through whole-genome sequencing, they opted for an experimental medication known as ABS-1230. The results were life-changing: Adnan’s seizures ceased just 30 minutes after his first dose on September 14, and he has remained seizure-free ever since, showing clear improvements in his overall development.

This success was made possible through a rapid collaboration between the Emirates Drug Establishment and the Dubai Health Authority, which granted compassionate use approval for the medication in just a few weeks. By bypassing the need for the family to travel abroad, local healthcare authorities showcased the power of precision medicine. While medical professionals, led by Professor Ubaid Shah, are encouraged by these results, they emphasize that the treatment is still in clinical trial stages and not yet commercially available. Adnan continues to be monitored closely by a multidisciplinary team to ensure his ongoing progress and safety.