The Emirates Medical Association for Nephrology and Transplant (EMANT) Society has announced the introduction of a new medicine for the treatment of Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 (PH1) at a medical event held at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai. The event was organized by NewBridge Pharmaceuticals and featured leading nephrology and healthcare experts.
Dr. Mona Al-Rukhaimi, Professor of Medicine and President of EMANT, highlighted that PH1 is a rare inherited disorder in which the liver overproduces oxalate. In healthy individuals, oxalate exists in small amounts and is eliminated by the kidneys. In PH1, excessive oxalate overwhelms the kidneys, leading to crystal formation and progressive kidney damage. “Oxalate overproduction can permanently impair the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and produce urine. Early diagnosis and effective management are critical to slowing disease progression,” she said.
Approximately 70–80% of people with primary hyperoxaluria have PH1, the most severe type. While PH1 affects 1–3 per million in Europe and North America, it is more prevalent in the Middle East and North Africa, with an estimated 50% of cases remaining undiagnosed. The disease can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and, in advanced stages, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where oxalate deposits spread throughout the body in a process called systemic oxalosis, damaging multiple organs.
PH1 is inherited, and genetic testing for family members is recommended. Symptoms often resemble other kidney disorders, leading to delays in diagnosis. Early urine and genetic testing can help initiate timely treatment and improve outcomes.
The new treatment represents a significant step forward in addressing PH1 in the UAE, supporting early intervention, lifelong monitoring, and personalized care for patients.
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