Al Zahra Hospital Dubai Launches Blenrep, First Gulf‑Wide Treatment for Multiple Myeloma
– Al Zahra Hospital Dubai has become the first medical centre in the Gulf region to administer Blenrep (belantamab‑mafodotin) as a commercially available therapy for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The milestone, achieved in late January 2026, marks a decisive step forward for advanced oncology services in the United Arab Emirates and neighboring GCC states.
A watershed moment for regional cancer care
The drug’s introduction follows a rigorous approval pathway overseen by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) health regulatory network (source: DHA). Although the U.S. FDA granted approval in 2020 for patients who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, Gulf market entry required a separate safety review, pricing negotiation, and the creation of a dedicated infusion protocol.
“Introducing Blenrep here is not just about adding another drug to our formulary,” said Dr. Leila Al‑Mansouri, Head of Hematology‑Oncology at Al Zahra. “It reflects a concerted effort to align our clinical capabilities with the latest global standards.”
Understanding Blenrep: Mechanism, efficacy and safety
Belantamab‑mafodotin is an antibody‑drug conjugate (ADC) that links a monoclonal antibody against B‑cell maturation antigen (BCMA) with the cytotoxic agent monomethyl auristatin‑F. By targeting BCMA‑expressing plasma cells, the ADC delivers a potent microtubule inhibitor directly to the tumour while sparing most healthy tissue.
Key findings from the pivotal DREAMM‑2 trial (source: DREAMM‑2) showed an overall response rate of 31 % in a heavily pre‑treated cohort, with a median duration of response of 11 months. Real‑world studies have confirmed comparable efficacy and highlighted corneal epithelial toxicity (keratopathy) as the most notable adverse event.
In response, the manufacturer introduced a revised dosing schedule and a mandatory ophthalmologic monitoring program. Al Zahra’s oncology unit has integrated these guidelines, forming a multidisciplinary team that includes hematologists, ophthalmologists and specialised oncology nurses to conduct baseline and follow‑up slit‑lamp examinations before each infusion.
The Gulf’s multiple myeloma burden and treatment gaps
Multiple myeloma accounts for roughly 1 % of all cancers worldwide. In the GCC, the Gulf Cancer Registry reports approximately 2,300 new cases annually, with a median age at diagnosis of 58 years—considerably younger than the global average (source: Gulf Cancer Registry).
Traditional therapeutic options in the region have been limited to proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs and autologous stem‑cell transplantation. While these regimens have extended median survival to 5–7 years, patients with triple‑refractory disease face a median overall survival of less than 12 months.
Blenrep’s entry addresses this critical void by targeting BCMA, a surface protein expressed on virtually all myeloma cells, offering a mechanism of action distinct from existing agents.
Operationalizing a first‑in‑region launch
After DHA’s conditional approval in October 2025, Al Zahra negotiated a risk‑sharing agreement with the drug’s commercial partner, securing a temperature‑controlled supply chain across the UAE.
- Creation of a dedicated “Blenrep Clinic” with infusion chairs, on‑site ophthalmology suites, and a patient‑education centre.
- Two‑week intensive training for physicians, pharmacists and nurses covering drug handling, infusion protocols, toxicity monitoring and patient counseling.
- Oversight by an external advisory board of regional hematology experts and a manufacturer representative.
Dr. Omar Saeed, Director of Clinical Pharmacy, emphasized the multidisciplinary model as mirroring best‑practice standards seen in leading cancer centres worldwide.
Early patient outcomes and anecdotal impact
Within the first three weeks of commercial availability, eight patients meeting DHA eligibility criteria received Blenrep. Preliminary observations include:
- Five patients achieved a partial response.
- Three patients demonstrated disease stabilization.
- Two cases of grade 2 keratopathy resolved after brief treatment interruption and topical lubricants.
One beneficiary, 54‑year‑old Khalid Al‑Saadi, said, “Before this treatment, I was told my options were limited to palliative care. After two cycles, my blood counts improved and my pain decreased dramatically. I feel hopeful for the first time in years.”
Economic and policy implications
The high cost of Blenrep—estimated at US $15,000 per infusion—has prompted Al Zahra to negotiate a value‑based pricing arrangement linking reimbursement to clinical outcomes such as response rate and duration of response.
The hospital is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) to explore inclusion of Blenrep in the national health‑insurance formulary, potentially expanding access beyond the private‑sector patient base.
Health‑policy analyst Dr. Nadia Al‑Hussein (source: DHA) notes that while upfront costs are substantial, extending survival and reducing downstream hospitalisations may offset expenditures, underscoring the need for a rigorous health‑technology assessment.
Looking ahead: Research, training and regional leadership
Al Zahra has secured ethical approval for a prospective observational registry to track long‑term outcomes, safety events and quality‑of‑life metrics among Blenrep recipients. Data will be shared with the International Myeloma Working Group, positioning the GCC as a contributor to global myeloma research.
The institution also plans a series of CME workshops on BCMA‑targeted therapies, inviting oncologists, pharmacists and nursing staff from across the region to disseminate best‑practice protocols.
Conclusion
Al Zahra Hospital Dubai’s successful launch of Blenrep marks a transformative moment for Gulf oncology, bridging a therapeutic gap for patients with the most aggressive forms of multiple myeloma. By navigating regulatory hurdles, establishing robust safety infrastructure and pioneering innovative pricing models, the hospital has set a benchmark for private health institutions seeking to accelerate access to breakthrough medicines. As real‑world data accumulate and policy frameworks evolve, the initiative aims to translate into measurable survival gains and inspire broader regional adoption of advanced biologics.
