The Imam Hussain Holy Shrine has announced the signing of a landmark tripartite agreement to transfer biological, cellular, and gene therapy manufacturing technology to Iraq in collaboration with Boston Children's Hospital, marking the country's first initiative to locally produce these advanced treatments.

Dr. Haider Al-Abidi, head of the Holy Shrine's Health and Medical Education Authority, described the agreement as a major milestone for Iraq's healthcare sector, saying it will enable the domestic production of advanced biological medicines rather than relying on imports.

He said the project includes licensing advanced bioreactor technology used to manufacture biological therapies for cancer and other chronic diseases, as well as establishing production lines for cell and gene therapies.

According to Al-Abidi, the initiative aims to improve access to life-saving treatments for Iraqi patients, particularly children with rare and genetic diseases who often require costly treatment abroad.

As part of the agreement, Boston Children's Hospital will provide clinical oversight, technical expertise, and training for Iraqi medical personnel to ensure treatments are delivered according to international standards.

Al-Abidi said the partnership builds on previous advances made by the Holy Shrine's medical institutions, including the development of bone marrow transplantation services, expressing confidence that biological and gene therapies will become widely available to Iraqi patients in the future.