The Emirates Drug Establishment has approved Etcamah, a new targeted breast cancer treatment from AstraZeneca.
With this approval, the UAE becomes the first country in the world to make the treatment option available.
Etcamah is an oral therapy, which means it is taken by mouth.
It is designed for a specific group of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
These are patients who have developed an ESR1 gene mutation while receiving endocrine, or hormone, therapy.
The medicine is used together with a CDK4/6 inhibitor, based on the announcement.
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Who the Treatment Is For
Etcamah is not for all breast cancer patients.
It is for patients whose cancer has an ESR1 mutation detected during hormone therapy.
This type of mutation can affect how the cancer responds to treatment.
The treatment is based on the active ingredient camizestrant.
It is described as a next-generation oral selective estrogen receptor degrader and full estrogen receptor antagonist.
In simpler terms, the therapy works by blocking and breaking down estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells.
These receptors can help some breast cancer cells grow and spread.
Approval Followed Scientific Review
The Emirates Drug Establishment said the approval came after a full scientific and regulatory assessment.
The review looked at the medicine’s quality, safety, and effectiveness.
It also studied clinical data supporting its use.
The decision was based on findings from the Phase III SERENA-6 trial.
According to the announcement, the trial showed statistically and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival among patients who developed the ESR1 mutation while on endocrine therapy.
Progression-free survival means the period when the disease does not get worse during or after treatment.
UAE Pushes Faster Access to Innovation
Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said the approval shows the strength of the UAE’s regulatory system in evaluating new medicines through strict scientific standards.
She said the UAE will continue using advanced assessment tools that balance faster patient access with safety and quality.
Sameh El Fangary, Gulf Country President at AstraZeneca, said making the treatment available in the UAE is another step toward expanding breast cancer treatment options.
He also said AstraZeneca looks forward to working with UAE partners to help improve outcomes for eligible patients.
What Patients Should Know Now
For UAE residents, the approval means a new treatment option is now available for a specific group of breast cancer patients.
Patients should not assume they are eligible without medical testing and advice.
The Emirates Drug Establishment also reminded the public about early breast cancer detection, following prescribed treatment plans, and regular check-ups with healthcare professionals.
These steps remain important for better treatment response and recovery outcomes.
