UAE approves rusfertide (MIMRYLO) for adults with rare blood disorder polycythemia vera

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved MIMRYLO, also known as rusfertide, for adults with polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder, Khaleej Times reported. EDE said the UAE is the second country in the world to authorize the treatment.

What is MIMRYLO (rusfertide) used for?

MIMRYLO is a medicine for adults with polycythemia vera. In this condition, the body makes more red blood cells than it needs. The drug helps control that excess production by regulating how the body uses iron.

What is polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia vera makes the blood thicker because of the extra red blood cells. It also raises the risk of blood clots and other complications.

Doctors manage the condition by regularly removing blood to bring red blood cell levels under control. This procedure is called therapeutic phlebotomy. It may need to be repeated depending on the patient's condition.

How does MIMRYLO help patients?

According to Takeda, clinical trials showed the medicine helped control red blood cell levels. The trials also showed it reduced the need for blood-removal procedures and improved fatigue.

Patients could need fewer procedures to remove blood following the approval. The approval gives doctors another treatment option for adults with the condition.

When will MIMRYLO be available in the UAE, and what will it cost?

The UAE announcement did not say when patients could receive the medicine. It also did not give the local price or say whether insurance would cover it.

What did officials say about the approval?

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, director general of EDE, said the approval reflects the establishment's commitment to helping patients access advanced treatments. She said the scientific assessment process prioritizes patient safety.

She said this is particularly important for rare diseases, where some patients still have limited treatment options. She added that timely regulatory decisions could help improve care and support better outcomes.

Hernan Purcell, regional general manager for the Middle East and Turkey at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, called the approval an important milestone for people living with polycythemia vera. He also highlighted EDE's role in supporting access to new treatments.

How is MIMRYLO given?

The medicine comes in single-dose vials containing a powder that must be prepared before use. EDE said a healthcare provider experienced in managing the condition should supervise its administration.

The establishment urged patients to follow their doctor's prescribed treatment plan. It also asked them to attend regular follow-up appointments to help keep the condition under control.