Boehringer Ingelheim Launches Fast-acting Stroke Medication in the UAE, Reducing Treatment Administration to Five Seconds
Health Web Release Selection By Editor_wr On Feb 27, 2025
Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, has launched a new acute ischemic stroke (AIS) medication with active ingredient Tenecteplase 25mg to enhance emergency stroke treatment in the UAE, offering a faster and more effective treatment option for emergency stroke care. Launched in the UAE for the first time across the India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa region, the new medication can be delivered over five to ten seconds, compared to the previous treatments requiring a one-hour administration process. This simplified and rapid approach facilitates faster treatment administration in emergency settings, reducing both door-to-needle (DTN) times and door-in-door-out (DIDO) times. This can improve patient recovery outcomes and minimize long-term neurological deficits associated with stroke . Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and a major contributor to disability, thereby imposing significant burdens on both patients and the economy . Many survivors face long-term disabilities, with up to 50% being chronically disabled . In the UAE, between 8,000 to 10,000 individuals suffer from a stroke each year, which amounts to one case every hour . Ischemic strokes occur when there is a blockage in a blood vessel, resulting in reduced blood supply to the brain . Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for effective treatment. Common signs include sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; confusion or trouble speaking; difficulty seeing in one or both eyes; dizziness or loss of balance; and a severe headache with no known cause . The new medication was launched on 22 February during the 5th Dubai Neurology Congress, which brought together over 120 healthcare professionals from the UAE. Dr. Suhail Al Rukn, President of the Emirates Neurology Society and Consultant Neurologist highlighted the importance of time efficiency in stroke care. 'Time is brain,' Dr. Al Rukn said. 'Reducing the time between symptoms onset and treatment is crucial in saving lives and preserving brain function . For every minute that treatment is delayed, millions of brain cells are lost . Seeking immediate medical care can therefore greatly improve outcomes and minimize the risk of long-term disability. This new treatment offers a major leap forward by minimizing delays and simplifying the administration process, providing an opportunity to improve outcomes for stroke patients in the UAE.' Ousama Alhaj, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim in the Near East and UAE added: 'The UAE, like many other countries around the world, faces a growing incidence of stroke cases each year , making timely treatment a priority. This new medication not only improves the efficiency of care delivery but also enhances the overall healthcare journey for patients. At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are committed to developing patient-centered health solutions that improve survival rates and long-term outcomes for stroke patients. We also remain committed to working closely with healthcare stakeholders to ensure these medications are accessible to those who need them.'
Administered at a dose of 0.25mg/kg (up to a maximum of 25mg) as a single intravenous bolus, the new treatment is now available in the UAE and underscores Boehringer Ingelheim's ongoing dedication to patient-centered innovation in healthcare, with a focus on early detection, prevention, and treatment. The company continues to strengthen its presence in the UAE by providing advanced medical solutions that address the needs of healthcare professionals and patients alike.
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The 'Angels' initiative, which aims to optimize the quality of treatment in existing stroke centers, added over 1,000 organizations to the network. It is the largest stroke community in the world, now encompassing 237,000 healthcare professionals from more than 9,000 hospitals in 158 countries and has helped 19 million stroke patients to date. Outlook The general trends and developments of the past year are expected to continue to impact 2025. The company expects a continued rise in the number of patients reached, and a slight year-on-year increase in net sales, adjusted for currency and extraordinary effects. * sales growth numbers are adjusted for currency effects **one-sided p-value from a z-test of the null hypothesis ORR ?30% Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry's top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Approximately 54,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow. Learn more at Boehringer Ingelheim – Life Forward | Boehringer Ingelheim.
