The UAE has approved the use of a new treatment for non-segmental vitiligo.
The Emirates Drug Authority announced on Monday that the UAE is the first country in the world to adopt the use of the drug, known as Rinvoq, for this purpose.
Vitiligo is a condition which causes loss of skin colour in patches. It causes the loss of pigment cells, often resulting in discoloured patches on parts of the body.
There is no cure for the disorder, which affects between 0.5 and 1 per cent of the world’s population.
“The UAE is the first country in the world to adopt the expanded use of Rinvoq, reflecting its advanced position in keeping pace with the latest pharmaceutical innovations and accelerating their availability,” the Emirates Drug Authority said.
“This accreditation comes within an advanced regulatory system that responds to global scientific developments, and contributes to the advancement of the pharmaceutical sector and the improvement of treatment outcomes for patients.”
Rinvoq is already approved for use by health authorities in locations including the US and Europe for conditions such as chronic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.