UAE Grants Approval for AstraZeneca’s Baxfendy to Combat Resistant Hypertension

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has granted approval to Baxfendy, a groundbreaking new therapy created by AstraZeneca for patients battling uncontrolled hypertension.

This landmark approval positions the UAE as the inaugural country to endorse this medicine, representing a significant advancement in the rapid availability of cutting-edge healthcare solutions and enhanced cardiovascular treatments.

Baxfendy contains baxdrostat and is offered in dosages of 1 mg and 2 mg. It is intended to be used in conjunction with existing antihypertensive medications for individuals whose blood pressure remains high despite current therapies.

By inhibiting an enzyme that produces aldosterone, a hormone associated with elevated blood pressure, Baxfendy directly addresses the underlying issue of resistant hypertension, providing a targeted treatment alternative for those unresponsive to traditional methods.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the EDE, noted that this approval underscores the UAE’s dedication to delivering advanced medical solutions and ensuring quick access to innovative therapies through adaptable regulatory frameworks.

She further mentioned that the EDE is enhancing approval and access protocols in alignment with national healthcare goals, thereby improving treatment results and aiding in the management of chronic illnesses, particularly cardiovascular diseases.

Sameh El Fangary, President of AstraZeneca for Gulf Countries, expressed his enthusiasm about the approval, stating it broadens the treatment options for hypertension patients while reinforcing the scientific validation behind the drug.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to collaborating with healthcare stakeholders in the UAE to enhance patient access to innovative medications and support sustainable health outcomes.

The approval is underpinned by favorable outcomes from two Phase III clinical studies, BaxHTN and Bax24, which demonstrated significant and clinically relevant reductions in blood pressure when Baxfendy was administered alongside standard treatments.

This milestone is part of the UAE's broader strategy to fortify pharmaceutical security, enhance healthcare system preparedness, and guarantee sustainable access to pioneering treatments that bolster public health and community welfare.