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Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Aamal, Novo Nordisk join forces to bring weight management drug Wegovy to Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha Ebn Sina Medical, a subsidiary of Aamal Company and a leading supplier of pharmaceutical, and Novo Nordisk, the Danish leading global healthcare company renowned for its expertise in treating chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, announced the availability of Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg) in Qatar. The event was attended by HE Anders Bjørn Hansen, the Ambassador of Denmark to the UAE and Qatar, Aamal Company CEO Rashid Al Mansoori, in the presence of Manvendra Singh, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Qatar and Dr. Nayla Mansour, Commercial Director on behalf of Essam Faragalla, General Manager of Ebn Sina Medical. Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg), the first and only once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) indicated for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents ages 12 years and above1, is now available in Qatar. Obesity has emerged as a significant global epidemic, affecting approximately 1 billion individuals world-wide2. Obesity in the Gulf is rapidly unfolding with the highest rates globally3. In Qatar, the obesity crisis is particularly severe, the current prevalence of obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) amongst adults in Qatar is estimated to be 41% with a notably higher prevalence amongst women (46%) and, nearly 76% of individuals in Qatar are classified as overweight; this places Qatar among the top 10 highest obesity rates in the world4,5,. The high rates of obesity and overweight in Qatar are linked to the high-country overall rates of related chronic conditions such as pre-diabetes, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) 6. The active ingredient in Wegovy, Semaglutide 2.4 mg, works by reducing hunger and increasing the feeling of fullness 1,7. Wegovy is indicated as adjunct to reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) or with overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity. As per clinical research, Wegovy on top of diet and exercise delivers 17% mean weight loss sustained over 2 years with one third of patients having a reduction of at least 20% body weight loss 1,8,9,10. Semaglutide 2.4 mg demonstrated significant improvements in other cardiometabolic risk factors such as: waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, Glycemic parameters & C-reactive protein. The SELECT clinical study including 17,604 adults with a BMI ≥27 kg/m2 demonstrated that Semaglutide 2.4 mg resulted in a statistically significant 20% risk reduction in Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) in people with overweight or obesity and established CVD, without T2DM1,15. Besides its indication in adults, Wegovy is also approved as the first and only once weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) for chronic weight management in adolescents with obesity from the age of 12 years1. This innovation may help transform the medical management of adolescent obesity in Qatar, where nearly 20% of children and adolescents are affected.6;11 During the event, Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, Aamal Company CEO, welcomed the attendees and highlighted this major step forward in addressing this public health challenge. He emphasized Aamal's commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and infrastructure in Qatar, through its subsidiaries such as Ebn Sina Medical in alignment with the country's National Health Strategy and Vision 2030, and reaffirmed Aamal's dedication to supporting access to the latest healthcare solutions that can positively impact the lives of individuals and the health of our wider community. From Novo Nordisk's side, Manvendra Singh, General Manager Novo Nordisk Qatar said: 'At Novo Nordisk, we are proud to bring over 100 years of global leadership in chronic disease management and 25 years of dedicated obesity research to Qatar. The availability of Wegovy marks a significant step in addressing obesity as a serious, chronic disease. As Qatar continues to face high rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, our collaboration with Ebn Sina is vital. Together, we are committed to strengthening the healthcare landscape and improving patient outcomes through innovative, science-driven solutions.' Ebn Sina Medical General Manager Essam Faragalla added: 'At Ebn Sina Medical, we are committed to ensuring that the people of Qatar have access to world-class healthcare solutions. This partnership with Novo Nordisk marks a significant milestone in our journey to address the rising prevalence of obesity and related health complications in the country. We enjoy a long-standing relationship with Novo Nordisk and share a unified vision to prioritize patient-centric care. The introduction of Wegovy reflects our continuous drive to deliver innovative treatments and reinforces our role as a trusted healthcare partner aligned with Qatar's National Health Strategy.'
Trade Arabia
01-05-2025
- Health
- Trade Arabia
Novo Nordisk, Ebn Sina Medical launch Wegovy in Qatar
Ebn Sina Medical, a subsidiary of Aamal Company and a leading supplier of pharmaceutical, and Novo Nordisk, the Danish global healthcare company, have announced the availability of Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg) in Qatar. The event was attended by Anders Bjørn Hansen, the Ambassador of Denmark to the UAE and Qatar, Aamal Company CEO Rashid Al Mansoori, Manvendra Singh, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Qatar and Dr Nayla Mansour, Commercial Director of Ebn Sina Medical. Wegovy® (Semaglutide 2.4mg), the once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) indicated for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents ages 12 years and above, is now available in Qatar. Obesity has emerged as a significant global epidemic, affecting approximately 1 billion individuals world-wide. Obesity in the Gulf is rapidly unfolding with the highest rates globally. In Qatar, the obesity crisis is particularly severe, the current prevalence of obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) amongst adults in Qatar is estimated to be 41% with a notably higher prevalence amongst women (46%) and, nearly 76% of individuals in Qatar are classified as overweight. This places Qatar among the top 10 highest obesity rates in the world, a statement said quoting statisitics. The high rates of obesity and overweight in Qatar are linked to the high-country overall rates of related chronic conditions such as pre-diabetes, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The active ingredient in Wegovy®, Semaglutide 2.4 mg, works by reducing hunger and increasing the feeling of fullness. Wegovy is indicated as adjunct to reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) or with overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity. As per clinical research, Wegovy on top of diet and exercise delivers 17% mean weight loss sustained over 2 years with one third of patients having a reduction of at least 20% body weight loss. Semaglutide 2.4 mg demonstrated significant improvements in other cardiometabolic risk factors such as: waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, Glycemic parameters & C-reactive protein, the statement said. The SELECT clinical study including 17,604 adults with a BMI ≥27 kg/m2 demonstrated that Semaglutide 2.4 mg resulted in a statistically significant 20% risk reduction in Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) in people with overweight or obesity and established CVD, without T2DM1, it said. Besides its indication in adults, Wegovy® is also approved as the first and only once weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) for chronic weight management in adolescents with obesity from the age of 12 years. This innovation may help transform the medical management of adolescent obesity in Qatar, where nearly 20% of children and adolescents are affected, it noted. - TradeArabia News Service
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Ebn Sina Medical strengthens commitment to healthcare innovation
Doha: Ebn Sina Medical, a subsidiary of Aamal Company Q.P.S.C. and a leading supplier of pharmaceutical, and Novo Nordisk, the Danish leading global healthcare company renowned for its expertise in treating chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, announced the availability of Wegovy® (Semaglutide 2.4mg) in Qatar. The event was attended by H.E. Mr. Anders Bjørn Hansen, the Ambassador of Denmark to the UAE and Qatar, Aamal Company CEO Mr. Rashid Al Mansoori, in the presence of Mr. Manvendra Singh, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Qatar and Dr. Nayla Mansour, Commercial Director on behalf of Mr. Essam Faragalla, General Manager of Ebn Sina Medical. Wegovy® (Semaglutide 2.4mg), the first and only once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) indicated for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents ages 12 years and above1, is now available in Qatar. Obesity has emerged as a significant global epidemic, affecting approximately 1 billion individuals world-wide2. Obesity in the Gulf is rapidly unfolding with the highest rates globally3. In Qatar, the obesity crisis is particularly severe, the current prevalence of obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) amongst adults in Qatar is estimated to be 41% with a notably higher prevalence amongst women (46%) and, nearly 76% of individuals in Qatar are classified as overweight; this places Qatar among the top 10 highest obesity rates in the world4,5,. The high rates of obesity and overweight in Qatar are linked to the high-country overall rates of related chronic conditions such as pre-diabetes, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) 6. The active ingredient in Wegovy®, Semaglutide 2.4 mg, works by reducing hunger and increasing the feeling of fullness 1,7. Wegovy® is indicated as adjunct to reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity for weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) or with overweight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity.1 As per clinical research, Wegovy® on top of diet and exercise delivers 17% mean weight loss sustained over 2 years with one third of patients having a reduction of at least 20% body weight loss 1,8,9,10. Semaglutide 2.4 mg demonstrated significant improvements in other cardiometabolic risk factors such as: waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, Glycemic parameters & C-reactive protein. 1,10,11,12 The SELECT clinical study including 17,604 adults with a BMI ≥27 kg/m2 demonstrated that Semaglutide 2.4 mg resulted in a statistically significant 20% risk reduction in Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) in people with overweight or obesity and established CVD, without T2DM1,15. Besides its indication in adults, Wegovy® is also approved as the first and only once weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) for chronic weight management in adolescents with obesity from the age of 12 years1. This innovation may help transform the medical management of adolescent obesity in Qatar, where nearly 20% of children and adolescents are affected.6;11 During the event, Mr. Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, Aamal Company CEO, welcomed the attendees and highlighted this major step forward in addressing this public health challenge. He emphasized Aamal's commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and infrastructure in Qatar, through its subsidiaries such as Ebn Sina Medical in alignment with the country's National Health Strategy and Vision 2030, and reaffirmed Aamal's dedication to supporting access to the latest healthcare solutions that can positively impact the lives of individuals and the health of our wider community. From Novo Nordisk's side, Mr. Manvendra Singh, General Manager Novo Nordisk Qatar said: 'At Novo Nordisk, we are proud to bring over 100 years of global leadership in chronic disease management and 25 years of dedicated obesity research to Qatar. The availability of Wegovy® marks a significant step in addressing obesity as a serious, chronic disease. As Qatar continues to face high rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, our collaboration with Ebn Sina is vital. Together, we are committed to strengthening the healthcare landscape and improving patient outcomes through innovative, science-driven solutions.' Ebn Sina Medical General Manager Mr. Essam Faragalla added: 'At Ebn Sina Medical, we are committed to ensuring that the people of Qatar have access to world-class healthcare solutions. This partnership with Novo Nordisk marks a significant milestone in our journey to address the rising prevalence of obesity and related health complications in the country. We enjoy a long-standing relationship with Novo Nordisk and share a unified vision to prioritize patient-centric care. The introduction of Wegovy® reflects our continuous drive to deliver innovative treatments and reinforces our role as a trusted healthcare partner aligned with Qatar's National Health Strategy.' Prof. Usama ALAlami; Head of Medical; Novo Nordisk Qatar highlighted: 'Obesity is the leading cause for many complications and it's the main driver of the diabetes epidemic in Qatar, accounting for 57.5% of diabetes 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the greatest contemporary health challenges globally, and there is an urgent need to prevent future increase in new cases and new complications of obesity13. Data on Semaglutide 2.4mg® are reassuring with clinically significant weight loss in people with obesity or overweight. Based on trials' outcome, 80% of those who were with pre-diabetes regressed to normoglycemia9, which suggests that Semaglutide 2.4 mg could help prevent T2D in high-risk people with obesity or overweight'.8,1 About Ebn Sina Medical: Ebn Sina Medical,is a subsidiary of Aamal Company, and it is considered a leading supplier of pharmaceutical supplies, hospital supplies, and health products to consumers in Qatar, with contracts with more than 70 leading international healthcare manufacturers from more than 20 countries. Ebn Sina Medical also operates a chain of pharmacies bearing the name Ebn Sina Pharmacy and three-Foot Care Centers. Ebn Sina Medical has successfully established several strategic partnerships with suppliers, which has enabled the company to diversify its service offering in terms of generic and biosynthetic drugs. Ebn Sina Medical continues to innovate and drive efficiency installing a robot at its warehouse to enable drugs to be handled quickly and accurately. Please visit About Aamal Company Q.P.S.C Aamal is one of the region's most diversified conglomerates and has been listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange since December 2007. As of x May 2025, the Company had market capitalisation of QAR xxbn (US$ xxbn). Aamal's operations are widely diversified and comprise 32 active business units (subsidiaries and joint ventures) with market leading positions in the key industrial, retail, property, managed services, and medical equipment and pharmaceutical sectors, thereby offering investors a high quality and balanced exposure to Qatar's wider economic growth and development. For further information on Aamal Company, please refer to the corporate website: About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases, built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 69,000 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube. Contact Aamal Company: Laura Ackel Corporate Communications Officer Email: Contact Novo Nordisk Email: ( References: Wegovy® [summary of product characteristics]. Approved in Qatar October 2024 World Obesity federation. Available at: Accessed on 26 September 2024. World Health Organization. Global Health Observatory (GHO) data. Overweight and obesity. [cited 2020 05 August]. World Obesity Federation. World Obesity Atlas 2024. London: World Obesity Federation, 2024. Accessed on 29 September 2024. Haj Bakri, A. et al. Chronic disease risk factor surveillance: Qatar STEPS report 2012. Qatar: The Supreme Council of Health. Obesity in Qatar: current and future strategies, Taheri, Shahrad et al. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, Volume 9, Issue 9, 561 – 562, 2021. Anam, M., Maharjan, S., Amjad, Z., et al. (2022). Efficacy of Semaglutide in Treating Obesity: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). Cureus, 14(12), e32610. Colin IM, Gérard KM. Once-weekly 2.4 mg Semaglutide for Weight Management in Obesity: A Game Changer? touchREV Endocrinol. 2022 Jun;18(1):35-42. doi: 10.17925/EE.2022.18.1.35. Epub 2022 Jun 15. PMID: 35949360; PMCID: PMC9354513 Garvey WT, Batterham RL, Bhatta M, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med. 2022;28(10):2083-2091. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11): 989-1002. D Weghuber et al, N Engl J Med 2022;387:2245-2257, DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2208601, VOL. 387 NO. 24 Awad SF, O'Flaherty M, Critchley J, Abu-Raddad LJ. Forecasting the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Qatar to 2050: A novel modeling approach. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 2018;137:100-8 Qatar National Diabetes Strategy; (Accessed 14 Sep 2024) Roth GA et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020;76:2982–3021 Lincoff AM et al. N Engl J Med. 2023 Dec 14;389(24):2221-2232.
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
WEMA leads high-level delegation to drive water innovation and knowledge exchange in the Middle East
Danish expertise drives discussions on wastewater reuse, energy-efficient water solutions, resource recovery, sludge handling and digital water management in key stakeholder meetings. Workshops and strategic engagements with Dubai Municipality, TAQA Water Solution, Saudi Water Authority, National Water Company, Saudi Water Partnership company and fostering relation with Marafiq. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA), backed by the Danish Trade Council, expanded its regional impact with a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, strengthening cross-border collaboration in water sustainability, innovation, and infrastructure resilience. Bringing together Danish water industry leaders and key regional stakeholders, the visit focused on advancing energy-efficient water solutions, wastewater reuse, resource recovery, sludge handling and smart water management technologies to support national sustainability goals. As water security remains a top priority for the Middle East, WEMA is actively working to bridge Danish expertise with local government initiatives, ensuring that proven water solutions align with regional policy frameworks such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy. From February 24 to 27, the WEMA delegation, led by Aarhus Water Utility, the second largest Water Utility in Denmark, with the attendance of the Danish Ambassador to the UAE, HE Anders Bjørn Hansen, visited the UAE and Saudi Arabia, engaging with government authorities, utilities, and private sector leaders to strengthen regional collaboration on water sustainability. The visit began in UAE on February 24, where WEMA hosted a technical workshop with Dubai Municipality, bringing together Danish water technology leaders and UAE officials to discuss digital water management, wastewater reuse and efficiency, resource recovery, sludge handling and circular economy solutions. The following day, on February 25, H.E. Anders Bjørn Hansen, Danish Ambassador to the UAE, attended the high-level meeting with TAQA Water Solutions, reinforcing Denmark's commitment to advancing innovative and energy-efficient water management solutions in the region. The meeting with TAQA Water Solutions focused on gaining deeper insight into TAQA's newly structured water division and strategic direction following the acquisition of SWS. During their visit on February 26th and 27th, WEMA representatives engaged in high-level discussions with key players in the Saudi water sector, including the Saudi Water Authority, National Water Company, Saudi Water Partnership Company, MAEE and Marafiq. These meetings focused on exploring innovative strategies to optimize wastewater treatment processes and maximize the reuse of treated wastewater, a critical component of addressing water scarcity challenges in the region. To help Saudi Arabia achieve its ambitious goal of exceeding 40% wastewater reuse, WEMA members shared expertise in cutting-edge wastewater treatment solutions. Discussions focused on advanced sludge treatment and filtration technologies capable of producing high-quality reclaimed water, as well as energy-efficient pumping systems crucial for minimizing the energy footprint of wastewater treatment and distribution. These technological advancements are key to supporting the Kingdom's long-term water security objectives. Commenting on the delegation, Ture Munksgaard, General Manager Danfoss Arabia said: 'For Danfoss, being part of the Danish Water Alliance in the GCC region has been a valuable opportunity within sustainability. Through collaboration with other companies, we have shared technical knowledge of our components and solutions to help the water and wastewater industry optimize operations and reduce energy consumption. Together, we contribute to the region's green initiatives, aiming for CO₂ neutrality by 2040 and 2050.' Mads Helge, General Manager at AVK Saudi Valve Manufacturing (AVK SVMC) said: "The WEMA delegation represents a crucial step in fostering collaboration between global water leaders and Saudi Arabia's key stakeholders to drive sustainable water management. As the Kingdom advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, partnerships that promote innovation in wastewater reuse and smart infrastructure are more important than ever. With four decades of experience supporting Saudi Arabia's water sector, AVK Saudi is proud to be part of these efforts, working alongside industry leaders to build a more water-secure future for the region." Shamel Tolomedjian, Sales Development Manager, Saudi & Egypt, for Water Utilities at Grundfos, said: "The WEMA delegation has been a vital platform for driving collaboration and innovation in Saudi Arabia's water sector. As part of this initiative, Grundfos had the opportunity to present advanced energy-efficient water solutions to high-level stakeholders, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals. With Saudi Arabia prioritizing wastewater reuse, smart water management, and sustainable infrastructure, it is essential to implement technologies that optimize efficiency and reduce energy consumption. At Grundfos, we remain dedicated to working alongside industry leaders and government partners to help build a more water-secure and sustainable future." A Commitment to Regional Water Resilience The Middle East's high levels of water stress, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and industrial demands, underscore the urgent need for resource-efficient solutions. Despite substantial investment in desalination and wastewater treatment, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to face complex challenges in optimizing water reuse. The Danish Trade Council's WEMA initiative is set to address these gaps by merging Danish water expertise with local policy frameworks, offering practical, energy-efficient solutions as urban populations swell and sustainable water supplies become increasingly vital. WEMA's expanded membership allows the alliance to address these challenges by combining global expertise with local policy frameworks. Members like Grundfos, AVK, Danfoss, AquaGreen, NIRAS, Watopi, DHI Group, and UltraAqua bring proven success in wastewater recycling, water-saving technologies, and energy-efficient solutions, which are increasingly essential as urban populations grow, and industries demand sustainable water supply. With growing investment in smart water infrastructure and energy-efficient wastewater management, WEMA's role as a trusted partner in the region's water transformation will continue to expand. Through ongoing engagement with public and private sector stakeholders, the alliance is playing a key role in shaping policies, scaling solutions, and driving impact-oriented partnerships. About WEMA The Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA) unites Danish expertise with regional decision-makers to pioneer sustainable water and wastewater solutions across the Middle East. Formed by the Danish Trade Council, WEMA aligns with strategic government initiatives, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, to address the region's critical water challenges. Through partnerships, innovation, and knowledge sharing, WEMA fosters resilient, future-ready water systems that support long-term sustainability and regional water security. WEMA's members include industry leaders such as Grundfos, AVK, Danfoss, AquaGreen, NIRAS, Watopi, DHI Group, and UltraAqua, along with Aarhus Water Utility and knowledge partners like Ferskvandscentret and Water Valley. Together, they tackle critical water challenges to support long-term regional water security and sustainability, in line with UN SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action). Snapshot of WEMA's traction to date Established in 2018, the Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA) serves as a collaborative platform bridging expertise between Denmark and the Middle East to address critical water and energy challenges. Its efforts began with a pioneering feasibility study with SEWA, alongside technical visits and workshops with Dubai Municipality, laying the foundation for impactful partnerships. In 2021, WEMA partnered with Abu Dhabi Sewage Service Company (ADSSC), (now TAQA Water Solutions) during EXPO 2020 to host a collaborative workshop. In 2022, feasibility studies for both TAQA Water Solutions and Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Agency (RAKWA) led to deeper engagements, while the first IFAT workshop in Munich brought together Saudi water utilities e.g. ENOWA and National Water Company to exchange knowledge and best practices. Delegations to Denmark further strengthened regional connections, enabling discussions on smart water innovations and sustainability. Most recently, WEMA formalized a partnership with Dubai Municipality ahead of COP28 and launched the Danish Middle East Water Academy to focus on capacity building and education. Ongoing collaborations with TAQA Water Solutions and RAKWA highlight WEMA's commitment to supporting the region's vision for sustainable water and energy development through actionable outcomes and enduring partnerships. In Saudi Arabia, WEMA and ENOWA have solidified their collaboration through an MoU, focusing on joint efforts in optimizing wastewater management. For more information contact Astrid S. C. Nielsen, asthan@
