The Ministry of Health yesterday announced that it has licensed the world's first oral medication for multiple sclerosis.
The new Novartis-made drug, named Gilenya, is a daily capsule that allows patients to avoid regular injections. The UAE, where there are an estimated 1,000 people with MS, is the first country in the region to approve the drug. "It reduces the severity of relapses and increases the time between relapses: 70 per cent of patients remained relapse-free at the end of a two-year study," said Thomas Wegmann, the head of marketing Middle East at Novartis.
MORE UAE NEWS: Our pick of today's top local news stories
Al Ain wins World Heritage List honours Al Ain becomes the first site in the UAE to be included on the Unesco World Heritage List. Read article
Dubai police chief: 'Pay Afghan farmers to stop growing drugs' Police chief says a federal drug enforcement agency and steps to prevent Afghan farmers from growing poppies would help curb illegal substances. Read article
Medicine prices to drop The Ministry of Health announced that it will drastically reduce the price of pharmaceuticals and other medicines. Read article
[ MORE UAE NEWS ]
The drug costs Dh10,800 per pack, and there are 28 pills in a pack.
Novartis is in negotiations with insurance companies to provide coverage for the product, he said.
* Bana Qabbani
