Technology and healthcare have blended in to pave the way for various advancements in the healthcare sector. In today’s I.T era, Telehealth is used for remote consultations, medical education, and better-equipping professionals with skills and knowledge. Telehealth offers a variety of benefits to many communities including, an increase in distant admissions, a decrease in commuting for healthcare, reduced operational costs, and additional support for healthcare providers. In the Arab countries, there is a broad spectrum of differences observed in terms of available healthcare amenities, despite the regions sharing a common culture.

Oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have favorable conditions for growth, whereas countries such as Syria, Yemen, and Palestine suffer famines, conflicts, and poverty. This difference is a major setback for poor nations when accessing healthcare facilities. Advances in digital solutions such as Telehealth have the potential to shorten the gap between these countries. It has been observed that the GCC nations have made large investments in healthcare and Telehealth.  Bahrain has invested in building the Dilmunia Health District on a man-made island, while Oman is currently developing the International Medical City and is working constantly towards creating the best-in-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art technologies.

Steps Taken To Increase Telehealth Services In The UAE

• In 2019, the federal medical liability law was issued in the UAE. The law discusses the terms and conditions for offering Telehealth services in UAE, which solidify the permissibility level and parameters for providing such services on a federal level.
• After the Covid-19 outbreak, Dubai saw a rise in the provision of telehealth services. Since 2020, telehealth service providers in hospitals and medical centers have started offering a 360-degree solution with the help of a regulation-compliant health information system (HIS).
• The UAE Ministry Of Health And Prevention (MoHaP) initiated the international telemedicine services in 2020, in which they helped both the patients and doctors to receive second opinion consultations remotely in scenarios involving cases of critical health.

Source:Telehealth: Is it the Future of Healthcare in the MENA Region? – DUPHAT.

Due to the strong supply and demand, the healthcare industry is booming rapidly in the MENA region. This, in turn, has caught the attention of many private equity firms. The past few years have seen an increase in healthcare spending in the MENA region due to factors such as increased health awareness, high cost of health technology, and lifestyle changes. On the other hand, a rise in chronic and non-communicable diseases, rapid population growth, and a steady increase in the elderly population have placed a significant strain on the healthcare system in the MENA region.

Looking at the region’s economic diversification effort, it is evident that the thriving healthcare industry will generate new job opportunities while reducing outbound medical tourism. Furthermore, encouragement in research and higher medical education will be possible due to a robust healthcare system, thus allowing the MENA region to become a global hub for medical tourism.

The healthcare industry in the UAE is one of the fastest-growing, with the UAE’s healthcare spending estimated to reach USD 3.6 billion by 2030. This increased investment can be attributed to several factors such as a growing aging population, medical tourism, increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases, and required insurances. Private and government sources, fast markets, and infrastructure expansions are among the most significant drivers for an increase in healthcare spending.

Market Drivers of Healthcare in the MENA Region

The healthcare system plays a crucial role in the overall growth of any country. The same is true for the MENA countries. Due to the regional governments’ constant focus on addressing difficulties, the MENA region has achieved huge advances in healthcare in a relatively short period.

Many factors contributed to the remarkable growth of healthcare in the MENA region. Some of these factors include:

• A rise in geriatric population.
• Increased usage of mandatory health insurance.
• Improved life expectancy and decreases newborn mortality.
• Increased income levels.
• Rise in the prevalence of lifestyle diseases like obesity and diabetes.
• Increase in public awareness of preventative care like screenings and health checks.
• High government spending.
• Establishing rules that expand insurance penetration.

Source: What is Fuelling the Healthcare Market Space in the MENA? – DUPHAT.

DMD, short for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is a severe and rare X-linked neuromuscular disorder that occurs in childhood. It is mostly found in males and is caused by the absence of a dystrophin protein. This absence is a result of a mutation of the DMD gene located on the X chromosome’s short arm. The symptoms are usually visible by age 6 and most patients become non-ambulatory by age 13.

The prevalence of DMD in the MENA region is the same as found in the other regions of the world, with 1 case in every 3600 – 6000 live male births. Saudi Arabia leads in efforts made for understanding epidemiological trends of neuromuscular disease, followed by other countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, etc.

Facts About The Current DMD Treatments

• Corticosteroids such as deflazacort and prednisone/prednisolone are used to treat more than 50-80% of DMD patients in the MENA region, thus making them the current gold standard treatment.
• In Israel, Sarepta Therapeutics’ Exondys 51 (eteplirsen) and PTC Therapeutics’ Translarna (ataluren) have been approved for the treatment of DMD.
• Translarna and Exondys 51 are the only available drugs in the entire MENA region and were approved in Israel only.
• Drugs like Vyondys 53 and Amondys 45 from Sarepta, are expected to enter the MENA treatment market soon.

Emerging DMD Treatment Landscape

Key companies like Pfizer (PF-06939926), Santhera Pharmaceuticals/ReveraGen BioPharma (vamorolone), Fibrogen (pamrevlumab), Italfarmaco (givinostat), and Sarepta Therapeutics (casimersen, golodirsen) have been conducting studies on developing novel therapies to treat DMD and further delay its progression.

The treatment landscape for DMD is already improving in MENA countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, etc. With an increased awareness of DMD in the MENA countries, the diagnosis rate too is expected to improve. Simultaneously, national NBS programs will also help diagnose the disease on time, thus making the treatment even more effective. Additionally, factors like government initiatives for improving market access and encouraging companies to enter their respective countries for clinical trials will further boost the advancements in the DMD treatment landscape of the MENA region.

Conclusion

Awareness about DMD, standardized referral patient registries, and support groups will play a vital role in the better management of the disease. While the MENA region has a few isolated patient support groups, there is limited patient advocacy in the region. For this, ongoing education through different channels is necessary. The social stigma associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy will also be eliminated via such efforts.

Source: Can Headways in Newborn Screening and Emerging Therapies Revamp the Treatment and Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in the MENA Region? – DUPHAT.

The first peak of COVID-19 was documented on July 19, 2020, where around 14.3 million people were affected by the pandemic worldwide. The GCC region saw a total of 0.57 million reported COVID-19 cases on that very same day. 

To mitigate any further spreading of COVID-19 in the GCC nations, the governments initiated the promotion of the MedTech industry in the form of in-vitro diagnostic kits, smart AI medical devices, ventilators, and surgical masks, among others. Additionally, smart robots were launched to curb COVID-19. The UAE set up virtual hospitals while Saudi Arabia launched GHAD (a Unified Electronic Platform).

These and many other drastic measures brought the pandemic in the GCC nations under control. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the GCC nations fell from 4.03% to 1.05% of the global COVID-19 cases by October 11, 2021. 

As of now, government bodies and regulators in the GCC nations have taken additional steps to improve the MedTech industry. These include improvisation of registration processes, import, procurement, and liberalizing restrictions on PPEs and kits. Certain devices are now recognized as National Security Devices, thus helping to achieve regional self-sufficiency in the wake of the ongoing pandemic.

The government initiatives takes to support the MedTech industry in GCC nations is are as follow:

• The launch of social infrastructure projects.
• Introduction of AI-associated medical devices and smart monitors.
• Adopting wearable devices among patients.
• Providing access to COVID-19 combating devices.
• Easing government guidelines related to medical devices.
• Introducing innovative electronic platforms.

Steps taken by Key MedTech Players to combat COVID-19 in the GCC region, include:

• Increased investments in emerging medical technologies.
• Geographical diversification.
• Optimization in supply chains.

COVID-19 has a massive impact on the MedTech industry in the GCC region. Various strategies were undertaken by the GCC governments that overall improved the MedTech industry. A prominent difference was witnessed after COVID-19 because of the many crucial technological introductions made by the medical device manufacturers.

The governments are also increasing their spending on healthcare, thus making the GCC region a lucrative market for medical device manufacturers.

Source: MedTech Industry in GCC post-Covid-19 – DUPHAT.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on new challenges and opportunities across all industries. Healthcare is a dynamic and fast-changing industry. In the face of the current pandemic, which has highlighted many opportunities to improve patient care and management, it is more important than ever to stay on top of the solutions and ideas set to make a difference.       

Pharmaceutical conferences are hosted globally for exchanging insights relating to digital health innovations. Healthcare conferences are helpful as they grow interaction between medical professionals, advance medical technologies, increase opportunities to improve presentation and communication skills. Pharmaceutical Conferences 2022 will highlight new opportunities for improvement and growth.

To help you decide which ones to attend, here is a list of top Pharmaceutical Conferences 2022 in MENA for leaders and executives.  

 Arab Health 2022

Date: January 24 -27, 2022

Website: https://iii.hm/arabhealth2022

Venue: Dubai

Arab Health is the leading medical equipment exhibition in the Middle East, showcasing the latest innovations in healthcare. Along with a wide range of CME accredited conferences, Arab Health brings the healthcare industry together to learn, network and trade. Arab Health 2022 exhibitors can showcase innovative products and solutions and have more time to meet potential buyers from all over the world weeks before the live, in-person event. 

Medlab Middle East 2022

Date: January 24 -27, 2022

Website: https://iii.hm/medlabmiddleeast22

Venue: Dubai

This healthcare conference connects with innovation that is changing the face of diagnostics. One can expect astonishing things to happen here. Medlab Middle East is where one can feel the pulse of the medical laboratory industry. Discover innovative products, trending technology, infinite networking opportunities, and more at the upcoming 2022 edition.

UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition – AEEDC Dubai

Date: February 1 – 3, 2022

Website: https://aeedc.com/

Venue: Dubai

For the past 25 years, AEEDC Dubai has been recognised as a beacon of knowledge and a point of reference for dentistry experts, academicians and industry professionals from across the region and all corners of the globe. Since its inception in 1996, AEEDC Dubai has steadily grown alongside Dubai’s rising status as a leading healthcare destination and a pivotal scientific hub in the region and abroad.

Dubai International Academy of Dermatopathology and Dubai International Academy of Laser & Aesthetic Dermatology (DIAD-DIAL)

Date: February 10-11, 2022

Website: http://www.diad-dial.com

Venue: Dubai

DIAD-DIAL (Dubai International Academy of Dermatopathology and Dubai International Academy of Laser and Aesthetic Dermatology) is a dermatology meeting that brings together leading speciality experts and innovative minds to discuss and showcase the latest trends, challenges, and treatments in dermatopathology, laser, and aesthetic dermatology. DIAD-DIAL are determined to take the meeting to the next level and host a great lineup of world-renowned faculty covering a wide range of exciting topics in various areas of dermatology.

International Conference on Obesity During Pregnancy ICODP

Date: February 15-16, 2022

Website: https://waset.org/obesity-during-pregnancy-conference-in-february-2022-in-dubai

Venue: Dubai

The International Research Conference is a federated organisation dedicated to bringing together many diverse scholarly events for presentation within the conference program. This Pharmaceutical conference aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Obesity During Pregnancy.

International Conference on Obesity and Metabolism ICOM

Date: February 15-16, 2022

Website: https://waset.org/obesity-and-metabolism-conference-in-february-2022-in-dubai

Venue: Dubai

The International Research Conference is a federated organisation to bring together several extraordinary scholarly events for presentation within the conference program. It provides an exceptional value for students, academics and industry researchers. This healthcare conference zeroes in on delivering a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns, and practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Obesity and Metabolism.

Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition – DUPHAT

Date: February 22- 25, 2022

Website: https://duphat.ae/

Venue: Dubai

DUPHAT has played an essential role in the pharmaceutical industry of the MENA region in the last 26 years. Initially conceptualised as a conference and exhibition to support the local market, it has become the leading regional educational and networking platform for leaders of the pharma sector. DUPHAT is a brand highly recognised by the pharma key players.

The Pharmaceutical conferences provide a rich learning experience from industry leaders, researchers and peer interaction. The exhibition showcases the industry’s innovations and generates business for its participants.

International Conference on Research in Life-Sciences & Healthcare (ICRLSH)

Date: February 23-24, 2022

Website: https://hbsraevents.org/conference/dubai-icrlsh-23-24-feb-2022

Venue: Dubai

International Conference on Research in Life-Sciences & Healthcare (ICRLSH) will be held on 23-24 February. It is also open to register for Online LIVE Conference on Zoom Meeting. The conference venue is the Landmark Hotel Riqqa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition – Dubai Derma

Date: February 27 – March 1, 2022

Website:  https://dubaiderma.com/

Venue: Dubai

Over the years, Dubai Derma has emerged as the largest scientific skincare gathering in the Middle East, North Africa & the Indian Subcontinent region. The 21st edition of Dubai Derma will bring together the skincare specialists, industry leaders, and key decision-makers from the region and across the world.

PrecisionMed Exhibition and Summit 2022

Date: March 15- 16, 2022

Website: https://precisionmedexpo.com/

Venue: Dubai

PrecisionMed Exhibition and Summit 2022 provides a unique opportunity for those developing personalised healthcare solutions from across the globe to do business with the vital healthcare decision-makers in the Gulf and Middle East region.

To conclude, these Pharmaceutical Conferences bring together the leaders of today that will pave the path for tomorrow. Each healthcare conference offers the opportunity to network and stay up to date with the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities that face healthcare today.

A chronic inflammatory skin disease, Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itching. As per surveys, Atopic dermatitis is less in the MENA region than North America and Europe. However, AD cases have been increasing in the MENA region.

The cause for this rise could be a combination of social, environmental and economic factors. Along with the rising prevalence, managing AD also remains a significant issue for the MENA countries that have a low socioeconomic status. Thus, there has been a rising demand for AD diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Existing Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Market

• Emollients and moisturizers are the primary treatment options for AD in the MENA region. They offer improved skin barrier functions, thus diminishing the need for prescription anti-inflammatory treatments. However, lack of effectiveness for moderate-to-severe cases and possibility of adverse reactions are some of the drawbacks of these treatment options.
• Effective anti-inflammatory therapy includes the usage of Topical corticosteroids (TCSs) as the first-line of treatment. The therapy is low cost and offers many generic options.
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs; pimecrolimus, tacrolimus) is another treatment option effective in treating mild to severe forms of AD in both adults and children. However, this therapy has a higher cost and can cause stinging/burning sensation. Middle eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, and Jordan have access to this treatment.
• Other forms of treatment options include crisaborole topical ointment 2%, systemic therapies such as antihistamines, and biologics (dupilumab, baricitinib, tralokinumab).

Emerging Drug Development For Atopic Dermatitis
Apart from the marketed therapies, some of the key companies such as Eli Lilly and Company, Shulov Innovate for Science, AbbVie, Pfizer, among others are investigating their pipeline therapies for the Atopic Dermatitis in the MENA. Some of the key therapies under investigation includes – 

• In Israel, Eli Lilly and Company is working on baricitinib – a phase III trial product for treating moderate to severe Atopic Dermatitis.
• Countries like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel are under observational study for the drug Dupixent.
• AbbVie is studying its product Upadacitinib combined with topical corticosteroids to treat adult and adolescent participants with severe to moderate AD.
• In Israel, Shulov Innovate for Science is working on its compound ZEP-3Na – a phase II trial product for treating subjects with mild to moderate AD.
• Pfizer is studying the drug Abrocitinib combined with/without topical medications for subjects aged 12 years and above suffering from moderate to severe AD.

In the coming years, with the launch of the emerging therapies the treatment scenario is expected to improve immensely in the region, along with the rising awareness among the general population.

Source: Capping Atopic Dermatitis in the MENA Region – By DUPHAT.

Cancer is a global health problem that finds itself among the leading causes of unnatural deaths. The countries in the MENA region are almost equally affected by cancer regardless of their social or economic conditions. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), despite lacking data on the prevalence of cancer in the MENA region, these countries can expect an increase in various cancer incidences in the coming years. 

This increase in incidences can be due to many factors like changes in cancer risk exposure, population aging, and most importantly, improved cancer diagnostics. Cancer’s global burden is higher in low and middle-income countries like MENA, thus to manage and reduce the growing burden, it is necessary to implement cancer control strategies.

Lung Cancer In The MENA Region

Lung cancer has a significantly high ratio in MENA countries. This is due to the increasing consumption of smoking, tobacco products, and many other factors. Many countries in the MENA region do not have access to proper clinical trials.

Estimated incidences of lung cancer in MENA were around 79,887 cases in 2018. It had a 5-year survival rate of 8%. Countries like Tunisia and Morocco showed the highest death rates, while Yemen and Egypt had the lowest deaths. This variation of incidences of lung cancer in the MENA region is due to factors like the prevalence of smoking and access to therapeutics and diagnostic options.

The surgical treatment method for lung cancer has improved in the MENA due to the higher recruitment of trained oncologists. As for radiation therapy, there are variations among the countries based on the availability of machines, the geographical distribution of the centers, and the general population. For chemotherapy, the MENA region has been using standard agents like taxanes, pemetrexed, and platinum. The availability of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, however, is still limited. 

Currently, several pharma and biotech companies including Eli Lilly and Company, AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Merck, Novartis, and several others are actively exploring various therapies for the lung and breast cancers in the MENA region. Many of the therapies are in various stages of clinical development and are expected to enter the market in the coming years. With the positive outcome of the ongoing clinical trials, the cancer treatment scenario in the MENA region is expected to improve immensely in the future. 

Source: Cancer diagnosis in the MENA region: Headway toward a better future – By DUPHAT.

Retinitis Pigmentosa is genetic retinal dystrophy that occurs because of the photoreceptor cells undergoing gradual atrophy inside the retina. It leads to progressive vision loss in those affected and is distinguished by progressive degeneration of the retina. It is classified into three subtypes as systemic, syndromic, and simple or nonsyndromic. The systemic subtype affects multiple tissues, the syndromic subtype affects neurosensory systems like hearing, and the simple or nonsyndromic subtype affects other tissues or organs.

According to the NORD (National Organization of Rare Diseases), Retinitis Pigmentosa affects roughly 1 in 3000 to 4000 people across the globe. The regions of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and others have the disease prominence that is two and half times higher than other countries like the US and Europe. This is mainly caused by consanguineous marriages commonly found in the MENA region.

Therapies in the Retinitis Pigmentosa treatment market in the MENA region are off-label and include nutritional supplements and supportive measures. Nutritional supplements therapies consist of Vitamin A Palmitate, Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and vitamin E. Supportive measure therapies consist of sun lenses, optical aids, magnifiers, and low wavelength blocking sunglasses.

Clinical trials conducted in the EU and the US have shown great promise. Yet, there has been very little development in the MENA region. However, due to the high unmet needs and the growing demand for new therapies, global players are expected to enter the market and conduct clinical trial activities in the region which ultimately will improve the Retinitis Pigmentosa treatment scenario. 

There have been decent efforts put by researchers to bring forth new approaches that could stop or delay the progression of vision deterioration. This however might still require a long time to be achievable. Nonetheless, Retinitis Pigmentosa management shows considerable promise in the MENA region, if enough space is allotted in developing better treatment approaches for all forms of Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Constant efforts can revitalize the impending and hopeful occasions regarding approval of new drugs that allow patients to have access to effective treatment at an affordable cost.

Source: Overlaying Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Management in the MENA Region

Latest Articles by DUPHAT –

• Cancer diagnosis in the MENA region
• Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Scenario in the MENA Region

About DUPHAT

Dubai Pharmaceutical & Technologies Conference & Exhibition is an international event focusing on the overall development of the Pharmaceutical industries worldwide.

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