| | ArabMedicare.com News
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Dubai | May 22, 2004
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New
Breakthrough In Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Wyeth
Pharmaceuticals Announce The Launch Of Enbrel In The UAE
Dubai-- (ArabMedicare.com News)
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
announce the launch of Enbrel, their scientific breakthrough drug for
the effective management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in the UAE. Enbrel
has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the
European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA).
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From Left To Right- Ahmed
Saeed, Brand Manager, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Hamdy Afify- Head of
Rheumatology Unit, Dubai Hospital, Prof. Manfred Schattenkirchner, Former
Head of Rheumatology Unit- Munich University and Dr. Baher Massoud-Regional
Medical Director, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
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Highlighting the effectiveness of the new drug
Professor. Manfred Schattenkirchner, Former Head of the Rheumatologic Unit
of Ludwig-Maxmilians University of Munich said, "Clinical studies in
RA patients have shown Enbrel to inhibit the progression of structural
damage by reducing pain and swelling in the affected joints. Enbrel gives
patients new freedom and control over treatment to fully participate in
their activities of daily livings."
RA is a chronic and potentially disabling disease that affects nearly one
percent of the total population (nearly 60 million patients across the
globe). Unlike Osteoarthritis, which results from the wear and tear on the
joints, RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body's natural immune
system attacks the healthy joint tissues and surrounding soft tissues
causing inflammation and subsequent joint damage and loss of function.
RA is initially marked by pain, tenderness and inflammation of the joints
developing into a progressive debilitating and potentially fatal disease.
Joints in the hands, knees, elbows and ankles are the most commonly
affected. RA can also contribute to other conditions such as anaemia,
scleritis, osteoporosis and lung and heart disease.
RA affects three times as many women as men and they are at higher risks
for developing severe RA. Although the disease can attack at any age, it
usually occurs during young adulthood, with age of onset peaking between
20 and 45.
Dr. Hamdy Afify, Head of Rheumatology Department, Dubai Hospital indicated
that, "Early diagnosis of RA followed by aggressive treatment is
critical, as significant joint damage caused by RA can occur within the
first two years after onset. Seeking early medical advice and treatment is
important but in a disease that involves the immune system, it can often
be critical."
"Enbrel is changing the way patients and doctors approach this
crippling disease. Enbrel as a treatment for RA is extremely effective in
reducing the signs and symptoms of this debilitating disease by
dramatically reducing inflammation and joint damage whereby improving the
quality of life for nearly 230,000 patients worldwide," said Dr. Baher
Massoud, Medical Director- Middle East and North Africa, Wyeth
Pharmaceuticals.
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