Blenrep debut at Al Zahra Hospital marks Gulf‑region breakthrough for advanced multiple myeloma

A milestone in regional oncology

Al Zahra Hospital Dubai has administered the first commercial dose of Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) in the Gulf region, expanding the therapeutic arsenal for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have exhausted standard lines of therapy. The drug received U.S. FDA approval in 2020 for patients who have undergone at least four prior treatments, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor and an anti‑CD38 monoclonal antibody ^[1]. Since then, it has been incorporated into treatment guidelines in Europe, Japan and several Asian markets, albeit under strict ocular‑toxicity monitoring.

In the GCC, rising incidence of hematologic malignancies and an aging population have created a demand for newer agents. Until now, clinicians largely relied on older proteasome inhibitors, lenalidomide‑based regimens and limited access to CAR‑T cell therapy. The commercial availability of Blenrep therefore represents a tangible upgrade to the regional standard of care.

Understanding Blenrep: mechanism, efficacy and safety

Belantamab mafodotin is an antibody‑drug conjugate that links a monoclonal antibody targeting B‑cell maturation antigen (BCMA) with the cytotoxic payload monomethyl auristatin‑F (MMAF). Binding to BCMA triggers internalisation and release of MMAF, leading to apoptosis of malignant plasma cells.

The pivotal DREAMM‑2 trial enrolled 196 heavily pre‑treated patients and reported an overall response rate of 31 % and a median progression‑free survival of 2.8 months ^[2]. A subset of responders maintained disease control beyond 12 months, a finding echoed in subsequent real‑world registries.

The principal safety concern is keratopathy—corneal micro‑deposits and visual disturbances. The FDA‑mandated REMS program requires baseline ophthalmologic assessment and monitoring before each cycle, with dose modifications for grade 2 or higher ocular findings. Al Zahra’s oncology team, together with its ophthalmology department, has implemented a surveillance protocol that follows these guidelines.

Al Zahra Hospital’s oncology infrastructure

Founded in 2000, Al Zahra Hospital offers multidisciplinary cancer care under one roof. Its Hematology‑Oncology Unit has previously introduced agents such as daratumumab, carfilzomib and selinexor to the local market.

To accommodate Blenrep, the hospital invested in a state‑of‑the‑art infusion suite featuring laminar‑flow hoods and real‑time monitoring. An in‑house ocular clinic, staffed by retina specialists experienced in drug‑induced keratopathy, provides immediate assessment and management of visual side‑effects.

“Introducing Blenrep was a collaborative effort that spanned pharmacy, nursing, ophthalmology and our hematology team,” said Dr. Khalid Al‑Mansoori, Head of Hematology at Al Zahra.

Regulatory and market dynamics in the Gulf

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) operates a fast‑track pathway for medicines addressing unmet oncologic needs. In late 2025, MOHAP granted conditional registration for Blenrep after reviewing data from the FDA, EMA and post‑marketing reports ^[3]. The conditional status obliges GSK to submit periodic safety updates and support local pharmacovigilance.

Pricing negotiations place Blenrep in the premium tier of oncology therapeutics. Reimbursement will be pursued through public insurers, private HMOs and charitable assistance programmes, with Al Zahra positioned to navigate these mechanisms for its mixed‑pay patient base.

Patient impact: early outcomes and cautionary notes

The inaugural recipient, 58‑year‑old Emirati businessman Ahmed Al‑Saadi, had undergone three prior lines of therapy, including autologous stem‑cell transplantation. After two cycles of Blenrep, his serum M‑protein fell by 55 % and imaging showed reduced bone lesions.

During the third cycle, routine ophthalmic testing identified grade 2 corneal micro‑deposits, prompting a temporary dose hold and the use of preservative‑free artificial tears. Treatment resumed at a reduced dose after a two‑week hiatus, with visual acuity remaining stable.

Al Zahra’s tumor board now recommends baseline corneal tomography, patient education on visual symptoms, and a proactive dose‑adjustment algorithm to balance efficacy with ocular safety.

Broader implications for Gulf‑region cancer care

• Accelerated adoption of ADCs: Positive real‑world outcomes may encourage uptake of other BCMA‑targeted ADCs such as teclistamab and talquetamab.
• Enhanced clinical‑trial infrastructure: Demonstrated REMS‑compliant delivery supports the feasibility of conducting phase III trials in the Gulf.
• Strengthened health‑system capacity: Integration of specialized ophthalmology within oncology pathways sets a precedent for managing other drug‑related toxicities.
• Economic considerations: High‑cost biologics will likely drive outcome‑based contracts and deeper public‑private partnerships in the UAE.

Looking ahead

Al Zahra’s pioneering use of Blenrep signals a strategic shift toward precision‑medicine therapies in a region historically dependent on conventional chemotherapy. Ongoing safety monitoring, pricing negotiations and scaling of supportive services will shape the long‑term impact.

“The Gulf’s patients deserve the same therapeutic breakthroughs that are available in North America and Europe,” affirmed Dr. Al‑Mansoori. “Our responsibility is to ensure that these advances are delivered safely, affordably and with the compassion that defines patient‑centred care.”

As the first cohort of Gulf patients benefits from Blenrep, the oncology community will watch closely, gathering insights that could inform regional guidelines and improve survival outcomes for a disease that once offered limited hope after multiple relapses.