Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, has announced the introduction of Metalyse® 25 mg (Tenecteplase) in Egypt as a treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), following its recent approval by the Egyptian Drug Authority. Egypt is the second country across the IMETA (India, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa) region to launch this new treatment, which will be officially introduced during a medical conference on October 17 with the invitation of 150 healthcare professionals. 1 Dr. Hussam Salah, Dean of Faculty of Medicine at Cairo University and Professor of Neurology added: "The introduction of this treatment in hospitals is a crucial step forward, but public awareness about the early signs and the need for urgent medical attention is equally important. Effective treatments are now available to improve recovery and outcomes. The partnership between Boehringer Ingelheim and The Egyptian Society of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, Stroke Chapter, will help update the national protocol for acute ischemic stroke treatment in Egypt, aligning it with the latest evidence-based medical practices." Dr. Ahmed El-Bassiouni, Director of Intervention Neurology Unit at Ain Shams University, said: "Stroke is a medical emergency that demands immediate intervention, as every minute after onset results in the loss of millions of brain cells; This can lead to a rapid deterioration in the patient's condition and may even be life-threatening. The ideal time window for achieving the best treatment outcome is within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Common warning signs include numbness on one side of the body, difficulty concentrating, speech impairment, or vision problems in one or both eyes, as well as dizziness, loss of balance, and sudden, unexplained headaches." He added: "Early intervention makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes, helping reduce complications, preserve brain function, and increase the chances of full recovery." Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and a major contributor to disability, thereby imposing significant burdens on both patients and the economy. Many survivors face long-term disabilities, with up to 50% being chronically disabled. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel becomes blocked, reducing blood flow to the brain, which makes recognizing the early symptoms critical for effective treatment. In Egypt, the overall prevalence of stroke is approximately 963 cases per 100,000 people, with an estimated 150,000 to 210,000 new cases annually. Stroke ranks as the third leading cause of death in the country, following cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases, accounting for 6.4% of all deaths. While only 12.7% of Egyptians are over 50, around 20.5% of stroke cases occur among younger adults. Dr. Ahmed El-Bassiouni, Director of Intervention Neurology Unit at Ain Shams University Stroke risk is heightened by factors such as smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which are often linked to obesity and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Prof. Mohamed Meshref, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma, Northeast and West Africa, Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "Stroke remains one of the leading health challenges threatening lives in Egypt, making timely diagnosis and intervention a top priority. The launch of Metalyse® 25 mg marks an important step in our mission to enhance stroke care. At Boehringer Ingelheim, we are committed to driving healthcare innovation, supporting Egypt's healthcare system, and improving outcomes for stroke patients." Many health organizations and care providers use the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) model to raise awareness about stroke symptoms and the importance of rapid response. The acronym refers to three main signs: facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty, while time highlights the urgency of seeking immediate medical attention when any of these signs appear. If any of these symptoms are noticed, individuals are advised to call emergency services immediately at 123 or visit https://egypt-stroke-map.com to locate the nearest specialized stroke treatment center.
