The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi grants early access to groundbreaking Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension medication in the Emirate

26 Dec, 2024:

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has introduced a groundbreaking medication for patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, making Abu Dhabi the first in the region to offer such medication. This advancement represents a significant step forward in enhancing patient care and healthcare outcomes for individuals with this condition.

Administered via subcutaneous injection every three weeks in specified doses, WINREVAIR can be self-administered by patients or caregivers under medical supervision. The medication works by targeting and inhibiting specific signalling pathways that drive the excessive proliferation of cells in the pulmonary blood vessels. This process helps to reduce vascular narrowing, allowing for improved blood flow and alleviating strain on the cardiovascular system. WINREVAIR is used alongside other standard treatments to reduce mortality risks in low to moderate risk patients.

The first batch of WINREVAIR, developed by MSD - a leading global biopharmaceutical company - arrived this month, marking a significant milestone. Approved by both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), clinical studies have demonstrated that adding WINREVAIR to standard treatment protocols may reduce the risk of fatal and non-fatal clinical worsening events by 84%. It also improves patients' exercise capacity and reduces pulmonary vascular resistance. These outcomes suggest the potential to extend patients' average life expectancy by over ten years when combined with current standard therapies.

Global statistics indicate that Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension affects between 15 to 60 people per million, with women comprising 70% to 80% of cases. The condition is most prevalent among individuals aged 50 to 65.

Commenting on this initiative, Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi remains committed to ensuring the availability of the most advanced and innovative treatments for its community members. This revolutionary medication is now accessible to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension patients in the Emirate based on their health conditions and treatment plans. Such initiatives reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global healthcare leader and demonstrate our dedication to providing world-class care to all residents.”

Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director of MSD GCC, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi to provide early access to our groundbreaking medication for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension patients. This partnership marks a significant step towards improving healthcare outcomes in the region and marks a new hope for patients living with this disease in the UAE.”

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is a severe condition affecting the arteries in the lungs, causing increased pressure in pulmonary blood vessels. It can lead to severe health complications, including narrowed, blocked, or damaged pulmonary vessels, reduced blood flow, increased pulmonary arterial pressure, and excessive strain on the heart, ultimately resulting in heart failure.