The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has approved AstraZeneca’s Etcamah, a new oral targeted therapy for patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer who develop an ESR1 gene mutation during hormone treatment.

The approval marks a significant step in expanding treatment options for patients whose cancers become resistant to endocrine therapy. Etcamah, based on the active ingredient camizestrant, works by blocking and degrading estrogen receptors that help drive the growth of certain breast cancers.

According to the EDE, the decision reflects the UAE’s commitment to accelerating access to innovative medicines while maintaining rigorous scientific and regulatory standards.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said “The approval highlights the efficiency of the UAE’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework and supports efforts to provide advanced treatment options for patients.”

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The approval was based on results from the Phase III SERENA-6 clinical trial, which demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival among patients who developed ESR1 mutations while receiving endocrine therapy.

Sameh El Fangary, Gulf Country President at AstraZeneca, said “The availability of Etcamah in the UAE expands treatment options for eligible breast cancer patients and reflects confidence in the scientific evidence supporting the therapy.”

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Health authorities emphasized that early detection, adherence to treatment plans, and regular medical follow-up remain critical to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

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