Newton Legal Advises Government of Bahrain on Agreement to Supply Groundbreaking Sickle Cell Treatment

21 February 2025

Newton Legal advised the Government of Bahrain on a transaction with Vertex Pharmaceuticals in relation to the supply of Casgevy, a gene-editing groundbreaking therapy used to treat sickle cell disease. Bahrain is one of nine countries with a sickle cell disease incidence at birth of between 1,000 to 2,000 per 100,000 livebirths.

The groundbreaking treatment was administered outside the United States of America for the first time at the Bahrain Oncology Centre, who successfully treated the first sickle cell patient.

The firm advised on the transaction with Vertex Pharmaceuticals and participated in negotiations with the pharmaceutical company. The team was led by Aamal Al Abbasi and included Maryam Kamal. Managing Partner, Aamal Al Abbasi commented: “This agreement is crucial to Bahrain’s efforts in combating sickle cell disease and we hope Casgevy is able to provide a lifeline to those affected. Newton Legal is honoured to have been part of this transaction.”