UAE approval heralds Mavenclad's arrival in new market

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the first country in the Middle East and Africa region to approve usage of the multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment Mavenclad (cladribine tablets).

German pharma major Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) announced on Monday that the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention had approved the registration of the drug for adults with highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) as defined by clinical or imaging features.

Rehan Verjee, chief marketing and strategy officer at the Biopharma business of Merck, said: “The accelerated processes implemented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention allow for significant advancements in care, and we applaud them for fostering an environment in which patients gain expedited access to innovations such as Mavenclad.”