The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved Baxfendy, a new treatment developed by AstraZeneca for patients suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure.
With this approval, the UAE has become the first country in the world to authorise the medicine, marking a major step in providing faster access to innovative healthcare treatments and advanced cardiovascular therapies.
Baxfendy contains the active ingredient baxdrostat and will be available in 1 mg and 2 mg doses. The medicine is designed to be used alongside existing antihypertensive drugs for patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite ongoing treatment.
The treatment works by blocking an enzyme responsible for producing aldosterone, a hormone linked to high blood pressure. By targeting the root cause of resistant hypertension, Baxfendy offers a more precise treatment option for patients who do not respond well to conventional therapies.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the EDE, said the approval reflects the UAE’s commitment to providing patients with advanced medical solutions and ensuring fast access to innovative medicines through flexible regulatory systems.
She added that the EDE continues to strengthen approval and access procedures in line with national healthcare priorities, helping improve treatment outcomes and supporting better management of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular conditions.
Sameh El Fangary, Gulf Country President at AstraZeneca, welcomed the approval and said it expands treatment choices for patients with hypertension while highlighting confidence in the scientific evidence behind the medicine.
He also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working with healthcare partners in the UAE to improve patient access to pharmaceutical innovations and support long-term healthcare outcomes.
The approval was based on positive results from two Phase III clinical trials, BaxHTN and Bax24. The studies showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure levels when Baxfendy was used alongside standard treatments.
The approval is part of the UAE’s wider efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical security, improve healthcare system readiness, and ensure sustainable access to innovative treatments that support public health and community wellbeing.
