UAE approves drug for Alzheimer’s treatment

Aduhelm by Biogen is the only available option for treatment of early-stage cases

The UAE has approved the first and only drug for the treatment of early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, becoming the second country in the world to use Aduhelm (aducanumab).

Biogen’s drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) yesterday.

This step allows patients with Alzheimer’s disease in the UAE and regional countries to have early access to the innovative drug, resulting in the acceleration of their treatment plan and improvement of the quality of their life, MoHAP added.

Aduhelm is supplied as injections containing a dose of 100mlg. The drug is prescribed to patients with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia) by reducing amyloid beta plaques in the brain.

Fast approvals

Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, said the UAE is among the world’s fastest countries in terms of granting approvals for innovative drugs, which increases the healing chances of patients in the UAE and the region.

Dr Mohammed Al Olama, undersecretary of MoHAP, and chairman of the board of directors of Emirates Health Service, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing therapeutic and psychological services to people with Alzheimer’s disease.