With a legacy spanning 130 years as one of the world’s leading research-driven biopharmaceutical companies, Boehringer Ingelheim’s Middle East & Africa (MEA) operations are headquartered in Dubai. The company also maintains scientific offices in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria, with its footprint extending into East Africa through Nairobi. In 2023, the IMETA region (India, Middle East, Turkey & Africa) achieved net sales of €779 million, reflecting strong commercial and scientific growth.
Boehringer Ingelheim is at the forefront of transforming stroke care in the Middle East and Africa through its regional hub in the UAE. Recognizing stroke as a leading cause of death and disability, the company has launched several initiatives to improve outcomes for patients.
In February 2025, Boehringer Ingelheim introduced a groundbreaking treatment for acute ischemic stroke in the UAE. This medication, containing Tenecteplase 25mg, can be administered as a single intravenous bolus over five to ten seconds, significantly reducing the traditional one-hour administration time. This rapid delivery method enhances the efficiency of emergency care, potentially improving recovery rates for stroke patients.
This initiative complements Boehringer Ingelheim’s longstanding “Angels Initiative” and regional efforts to establish stroke‑ready centers—highlighting the company’s commitment to transforming stroke care pathways through rapid innovation and collaboration.
In an exclusive interview with Mediworld Middle East, Oussama AlHajj, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma, UAE & Near East Region at Boehringer Ingelheim, discusses the company’s strategic approach in tackling the growing burden of stroke across the UAE and the Near East.
AlHajj stresses that the company has introduced a new stroke treatment in the UAE that drastically reduces treatment time and aims to enhance emergency care outcomes. This innovative therapy, which is set for expansion across the region, delivers treatment in just 5–10 seconds compared to the previous one-hour protocol—marking a significant leap in acute stroke management.
AlHajj outlines Boehringer Ingelheim’s long-standing collaboration with regional health authorities, including MOHAP and ADPHC, to boost stroke awareness and education. Through initiatives such as the Stroke Media Academy, the company is actively engaging media to amplify public understanding of stroke risks and the importance of early intervention.
AlHajj shares that company is deeply invested in patient-centric strategies that integrate education, adherence programs, and digital health tools to better manage stroke risks. Looking ahead, he reaffirms the company’s commitment to innovation, with over €5 billion invested annually in R&D, including a strong pipeline in cardiovascular and stroke-related areas.
Boehringer Ingelheim aims to continue shaping the future of stroke care in the region through groundbreaking therapies and strategic partnerships.
Boehringer Ingelheim has been a key player in stroke care. How is the company addressing the growing burden of strokes in the UAE and the Near East region?
Boehringer Ingelheim has been at the forefront of stroke care for decades and has played a key role in stroke management in the region. We recently launched a new stroke treatment in the UAE which offers a faster and more effective treatment option for emergency stroke care with plans to expand in other markets in the region soon. In the UAE, we have also partnered with key healthcare stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) to address the burden of stroke. These longstanding partnerships have laid the foundations for awareness efforts that we are still making. In addition to media events like the Stroke Media Academy, which aims to leverage the media’s voice to raise awareness of stroke and the importance of timely intervention, we have a range of public awareness initiatives planned throughout this year.
What are the latest innovations from Boehringer Ingelheim in the prevention and treatment of stroke?
Boehringer Ingelheim is a multinational company driven by research and innovation. We invest more than 20% of our total turnover in developing innovative medications that help improve patients’ lives.
In the area of stroke, we are undertaking extensive research and have recently launched a new medication aimed at supporting patients affected by stroke. The new medication can be delivered over five to ten seconds, compared to the previous treatments requiring a one-hour administration process. This simplified and rapid approach facilitates faster treatment administration in emergency settings, reducing both door-to-needle (DTN) times and door-in-door-out (DIDO) times. This can improve patient recovery outcomes and minimize long-term neurological deficits associated with stroke, representing a significant milestone in our continuous efforts to provide innovative treatments.
Could you elaborate on the role of Boehringer Ingelheim’s anticoagulant therapies in reducing the risk of ischemic stroke? How are these being positioned in the region?
Our anticoagulant therapies are very well positioned in the region. We work closely with key partners, including healthcare authorities and medical experts, not only to raise awareness, but also to implement initiatives that educate physicians and support healthcare staff. Through these efforts, we aim to enhance the capabilities of medical professionals across the region. By doing so, we are giving back to the community and supporting healthcare providers in delivering the best care for their patients.
Can you share any insights into Boehringer Ingelheim’s patient-centric approach to managing stroke risks—particularly in terms of education, adherence support, and digital health tools?
Our commitment to patient-centric stroke care is an ongoing journey. We have engaged in discussions with health authorities across the Middle East, including here in the UAE, where we consider ourselves trusted partners. With such partnerships come mutual responsibility, and we are committed to supporting national stroke care goals in any way that we can.
Also Read: Dr. Suhail AlRukn – Championing Stroke Awareness and Treatment.
We also strongly believe in the power that the media holds in health awareness. This is why we have hosted the first Stroke Media Academy in the UAE, in partnership with Dr. Suhail Al Rukn, Consultant Neurology and President of Emirates Neurology Society, and with the support of media professionals.
We deeply value the media’s contribution, recognizing that while the support of health authorities is crucial, it alone cannot achieve our goals. We depend greatly on social media influencers and the wider media community to enhance awareness and education to a higher level.
Looking ahead, how do you envision Boehringer Ingelheim’s role evolving in the fight against strokes in the region over the next five years?
Our purpose is to transform lives for generations to come. That is why we are investing over 5 billion euros annually in the development of new medications. We are proud to have a strong pipeline focusing on several therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular-renal-metabolic conditions, oncology, respiratory diseases, and stroke. Having recently launched a new medication for stroke; we are committed to continuing our efforts to develop innovative treatments while advocating for early detection and intervention for better health outcomes.
