AstraZeneca’s Etcamah is approved for advanced breast cancer patients with an ESR1 gene mutation, targeting cancers that have developed resistance to treatment.
A new treatment could soon provide hope for some breast cancer patients in the UAE whose disease becomes resistant to hormone therapy.
The Emirates Drug Establishment has approved AstraZeneca’s Etcamah, an oral targeted therapy for patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer who develop an ESR1 gene mutation during endocrine (hormone) treatment.
The treatment is designed for a specific group of patients whose cancer continues to progress after developing the mutation during therapy. Etcamah works by blocking and breaking down estrogen receptors in cancer cells, helping to slow the progression of the disease.
According to the Emirates Drug Establishment, the approval reflects the country’s efforts to accelerate access to innovative medicines while maintaining strict scientific and regulatory standards.
Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, said the decision highlights the effectiveness of the UAE’s regulatory and operational framework in evaluating and adopting pharmaceutical innovations.
She added that the approval strengthens the national pharmaceutical ecosystem and its ability to provide advanced treatment options for patients. “This milestone will further strengthen the UAE’s commitment to building a flexible pharmaceutical system capable of anticipating global scientific developments and keeping pace with rapid changes in the pharmaceutical sector,” she said.
The medicine is based on camizestrant, a next-generation oral selective estrogen receptor degrader and full estrogen receptor antagonist. It is used alongside a CDK4/6 inhibitor and targets cancer cells that depend on estrogen receptors for growth.
The approval followed a scientific and regulatory review assessing the drug’s quality, safety, and efficacy, supported by clinical data. It was based on results from the Phase III SERENA-6 trial, which showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in progression-free survival for patients with the ESR1 mutation during endocrine therapy.
AstraZeneca Gulf Country President Sameh El Fangary said the treatment’s availability in the UAE expands options for eligible breast cancer patients and reflects confidence in the underlying scientific evidence.
Health authorities noted that breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, and expanding access to innovative therapies can improve outcomes and quality of life. They also emphasized the importance of early detection, adherence to treatment, and regular medical follow-ups to improve recovery results.
