Physicians and gastroenterologists from around the world are gathering in Dubai today to examine new research and breakthrough treatments in the field of bowel and stomach disorders.
Under the theme of ‘Evolving Concepts and Therapeutic Targets,’ over 150 specialists from Korea, Singapore, Pakistan, Thailand, India, Morocco, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait will participate in a variety of seminars focusing on the highly prevalent medical conditions of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation and non-ulcer stomach pain (dyspepsia).
The event opened on April 7 – World Health Day – and will run until April 8, aiming to encourage wider awareness of the causes and treatments of these challenging conditions.
Often neglected or dismissed as a lifestyle issue, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) currently affects almost one in five people in the Middle East, with almost 70 percent of current sufferers being women.
Among the highlights of the event will be the unveiling of a new educational series developed within the United Arab Emirates, which will provide some insight into the extent of the problem.
Experts have welcomed the Dubai meeting as one of the most significant gatherings of its kind to be held in the region, bringing together experts and new research into the different therapeutic areas.
“Disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation and dyspepsia are universal issues and are of global concern to physicians and to gastroenterologists, in particular, throughout the world,” said Dr. Eamonn Quigley, Professor of Medicine and Human Physiology and Head of the Medical School, National University of Ireland (NUI), in Cork, Ireland.
Dr. Quigley will chair the program, along with Dr. Asa’d Dajani of the UAE and Dr. Iyad Subei from Saudi Arabia.
Symposium sessions will include reports from visiting physicians on the effectiveness of treatments designed to help patients manage IBS. Doctors from China and Pakistan will report on clinical trials of Zelmac – a medication approved in the region to treat the multiple symptoms of IBS, including constipation, abdominal pain and bloating.
“This unique symposium provides, not only an opportunity to review the current status of available treatments, but will also provide updates on the very latest information on new and emerging therapeutic options for these challenging conditions,” he added.
One of the most common intestinal disorders, IBS is a long-term but manageable condition, which can cause a great deal of suffering to patients. The main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are abdominal pain, bloating, irregular toilet habits and discomfort that occur along with constipation.
The Dubai event is being supported by Novartis, one of the world leaders in offering medicines to protect health, treat disease and improve well-being.
Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) is a world leader in offering medicines to protect health, treat disease and improve well-being. Our goal is to discover, develop and successfully market innovative products to treat patients, ease suffering and enhance the quality of life. Novartis is the only company with leadership positions in both patented and generic pharmaceuticals. We are strengthening our medicine-based portfolio, which is focused on strategic growth platforms in innovation-driven pharmaceuticals, high-quality and low-cost generics and leading self-medication OTC brands. In 2005, the Group's businesses achieved net sales of USD 32.2 billion and net income of USD 6.1 billion. Approximately USD 4.8 billion was invested in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 91,000 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
