Doha, Qatar – 19 November, 2024: Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, today announced the launch of its antifibrotic medication, Nintedanib, for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), and progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (PF-ILD) in Qatar.
The launch event took place at the Marriott Marquis City Center, Doha, on November 9, 2024, where experts from the field gathered to raise awareness about ILD management through the exchange of clinical best practices. Nintedanib is the only treatment for these conditions approved by the Ministry of Health of Qatar that can slow the progression of lung function decline, providing much-needed relief for patients living with interstitial lung diseases, including those originating from connective tissue diseases, in the country.
ILDs are a group of diseases that affect the interstitium – the lace-like network of tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs. [1]The condition is characterized by a build-up of scar tissue that worsens over time, causing the lungs to become stiff and making it difficult for the patient to breathe. [2]As ILDs are chronic progressive diseases, patients typically experience deteriorating lung function, resulting in a reduction in their independence and quality of life.[3]
Abdallah Hamed, General Manager & Head of Human Pharma Saudi Arabia, Gulf, and East Africa (SAGEA) at Boehringer Ingelheim, said, “In the past, there were no approved antifibrotic medications available for ILD patients, making it one of the unmet medical needs in the country. We at Boehringer Ingelheim are proud to have received the approval of the Qatar Ministry of Health for Nintedanib as a treatment option available across three indications. Building on over 100 years in respiratory care, we aim to improve the comprehensive understanding of the patients, their caregivers, and the community at large about the conditions and the available solutions that can help them tackle the burden of this debilitating condition.”
Dr. Sameh Rakha, Medical Director, SAGEA region said, “ILDs are a group of more than 200 heterogeneous, rare or infrequently seen lung disorders that may involve the risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis[4]. As a research-driven pharmaceutical company, moments like these, when we can bring a treatment option to patients who are very much in need, makes us extremely proud and inspires us to continue our quest for effective therapies to positively impact patients’ lives.”
Nintedanib is already approved in more than 80 countries for the treatment of individuals diagnosed with interstitial lung diseases such as IPF, SSc-ILD, and PF-ILD. In addition to providing innovative medical solutions, Boehringer Ingelheim has created a bilingual website in English and Arabic called Life With Pulmonary Fibrosis. This website equips patients with essential information and tools to help them find ways to manage their condition effectively.
[1] https://www.webmd.com/lung/interstitial-lung-disease
[2] Pulmonary fibrosis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
[3] Progression of fibrosing interstitial lung disease | Respiratory Research | Full Text
[4] Are there over 200 distinct types of interstitial lung diseases? | Respiratory Research | Full Text
