Takeda Launches Innovative Product to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Lifestyle Related Disease on the Rise in the UAE

Dubai, UAE – November 18, 2014 – Takeda, the global, fast growing, research driven Japanese healthcare company, today announced that patients suffering from gastroesophagal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, have access to an innovative treatment option following the launch of Dexlansoprazole in the UAE.

GERD is a condition that develops when stomach acid and contents cause heartburn by rising back into the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation, considerable discomfort and in the worst case scenario, serious tissue damage.  It is estimated that between 8.7 % and 33.1 % of the population in the Middle East suffer from the disease , which is on the rise in the region and across the Western world. 

Despite these alarming figures, it appears that the general population knows little about the causes, symptoms and treatment options with regard to GERD.
“Gastroesophageal reflux disease is seen in people of all ages, and the cause is often attributable to a lifestyle factor, including work stress, lack of physical activity and the growing trend of eating heavy, spicy and fatty food,” says Prof. Dr. Emad Yassin Al Rahmani, Consultant in Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology.  “Furthermore, the burden of the disease is huge and affects the quality of life of patients, influencing the social, physical and emotional well-being as well as causing a loss of productivity.”

“Takeda is focused on health care solutions that address the unmet medical needs of patients,” says Ahdy El Sayes, Managing Director of Takeda Middle East. “We have carefully tailored our broad portfolio of healthcare solutions and focus on remedies for lifestyle driven diseases such as cardio vascular issues and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), both caused by sedentary lifestyle prevalent in the UAE.” 

“In addition to the proactive attempt by regional government bodies and healthcare experts to alert the public on the imperative need for lifestyle modifications, PPI therapy is undoubtedly the most common treatment option and more effective than antacids or histamine receptor antagonists,” says Dr. Asa’d Izziddin Dajani, chairman of the research and scientific committee for Emirates Society of Gastroenterology (ESG).

Despite being highly effective, well tolerated and affordable for most patients, there are still unmet needs. Between 19% to 44% of patients globally still experience persistent reflux symptoms   as available PPIs do not control gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms adequately.  

To address this concern, following the launch of dexlansoprazole, doctors across the Gulf region can now prescribe an all-new and innovative product as part of an overall plan to help patients better manage and control erosive esophagitis and symptoms of GERD.

Dexlansoprazole is the first and only currently approved PPI with a dual-delayed release formulation that provides 24 hour heartburn relief in the majority of patients.4,5,6 Two different types of granules release dexlansoprazole at different time points for extended duration of acid suppression.7 The drug can be taken at any time of the day regardless of meals or food intake.8,9 Patients can choose their own daily time of intake5,8 making this treatment highly convenient and able to fit into any lifestyle.