Pan Arab Rheumatology Conference Calls for Supporting Young Arab Rheumatologists

More than 800 Rheumatology Experts Convene in UAE to Advance the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic and Debilitating Conditions such as Arthritis, Affecting 20% of the UAE Population1

UAE, January 14th, 2014; More than 800 leading rheumatology experts from across the Middle East are convening in the UAE this week for the 11th Pan Arab Rheumatology Conference (PARC), to be held from the 14-17th January in Dubai. The four-day symposium, made possible by the Emirates Society of Rheumatology, provides a unique platform for “Young Arab Rheumatologists.” It paves the way for the world's leading Rheumatology experts to present and share their advanced clinical knowledge, their latest clinical research findings and the most recent innovative therapies related to Rheumatic diseases.

In line with this year's theme “In Support of Young Arab Rheumatologists,” more than 100 young Rheumatologists across the region have received travel grants to attend this prestigious event; giving them access to learn extensively about best-practice treatment and management  of debilitating diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis to improve treatment outcomes for patients throughout the region.

In UAE, various forms of arthritis affect 20% of the population, however only 6,000 people have been officially diagnosed.1 Rheumatoid Arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease, affects an estimated 0.9% of the global population, or every 1 in 100 people.2 The disease onset most commonly occurs between the ages of 40 and 60, however people of any age can be affected.3

Dr. Jamal Al Saleh, President of the Emirates Society of Rheumatology and Head of Rheumatology at Dubai Hospital, who is serving as President of the conference this year, said:

“Arthritis and rheumatic conditions are both prevalent in the UAE. The Pan Arab Rheumatology Conference is crucial in providing the educational support to help reduce the burden of these diseases in the Arab countries. As healthcare professionals, our goal is to improve patient quality of life and initiatives such as the conference can help greatly. The delegates discuss effective diagnostic techniques, current challenges in the management of Rheumatic diseases and new therapies available that improve effectiveness and offer rapid treatment response.”

"We are delighted to partner with PARC as the main sponsor of this year's 11th Pan Arab Rheumatology Conference,” said Joe Henein, President and CEO of NewBridge Pharmaceuticals. "As part of its continuous effort to raise awareness of rheumatoid arthritis in the AfMET region, NewBridge is supporting the theme of the congress around Young Arab Rheumatologists by helping to bring together key experts and physicians to attend and present the latest developments in the field, and to share their knowledge of the new and innovative Biologic Therapies which are important additions in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is our strong belief that this conference will help the physicians to change patients' lives by improving their diagnosis and treatment."

Dr. Baher Massoud, Chief Medical Officer of NewBridge Pharmaceuticals stated: “Rheumatoid arthritis can affect different people in different ways. Without effective treatment, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint damage as well as affecting other parts of the body.3 Late diagnosis is a major obstacle in the successful management of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and research shows there is a time lapse in the UAE between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis.”

It is important for patients suffering from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis to consult their physicians about treatment options available, and how they can work together to successfully manage their disease. This is especially true with the introduction of new Biologic treatments that can potentially provide patients with rapid response and fast relief of pain within the first week of the treatment and allow physicians to assess effectiveness of the treatment by week 12 - thus potentially saving on health care cost burden.4