Abu Dhabi:Burjeel Medical City (BMC), the leading facility under Burjeel Holdings, has made significant strides by administering Exdensur (depemokimab), a pioneering ultra-long-acting biologic treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), marking its first use in the Gulf region. This development comes with the endorsement and supervision of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH).
According to Emirates News Agency, this innovative treatment offers a new solution for patients whose symptoms persist despite traditional medical treatments and surgeries. Depemokimab is delivered as an injection under the skin and aims to maintain control over the underlying sinus inflammation with a six-month dosing regimen.
The inaugural administration of this therapy was given to a 43-year-old Emirati male who had suffered from the condition for over five years. His symptoms included nose blockages, loss of smell, and recurrent sinus infections, despite undergoing two prior sinus surgeries. The treatment, led by Dr. Yogesh More, Consultant and Co-Director of the Burjeel ENT Head and Neck Institute, resulted in notable improvements for the patient, including the restoration of his sense of smell.
Dr. More highlighted the significant impact of persistent sinus symptoms on quality of life, explaining that the patient's condition had severely affected his ability to enjoy aromas and led to issues such as disturbed sleep and daytime fatigue. He noted that the new treatment could offer substantial benefits where previous treatments, including surgery and steroids, had limitations, particularly in restoring the sense of smell.
Depemokimab targets the inflammation drivers in sinusitis and nasal polyps, offering a long-term solution for eligible adults with high type 2 inflammation who have not found relief from medical or surgical interventions. The treatment is designed to control inflammation for up to six months, reducing immune cell activity that causes recurring symptoms.
Dr. More emphasized the advantages of the six-month dosing interval for patients, suggesting it helps balance personal and professional commitments while improving disease management and quality of life. He also stressed the importance of specialist consultation for patients with persistent symptoms to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
This development underscores Burjeel Medical City's commitment to delivering advanced, evidence-based treatments to patients with complex ENT conditions.
