Local medical experts have called for more health research in the region, to make new drugs more effective for local patients.

The call comes at a time when a new international study has shown that a new drug has proven to significantly reduce major cardiovascular (CV) events.

Dr Abdullah Shehab, director of CME, Emirates Society of Cardiology said consistent and ongoing research in cardiology was essential, so that it takes into consideration the peculiar traits and habits of the local population.

'International research is important, but we need to know better our people's statuses. Private and public sectors should join forces to conduct more research. Clinical research related to specific cases is completely absent in the GCC.'

'Heart-related ailments are too common in the region, and the commonality of diabetes and obesity are other influential factors. The new study is significant because it is backed by evidence that Rosuvastatin is a safe and effective medicine for normal populations.'

'The UAE has a very high rate of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure due to the huge lifestyle changes, and we must try and prevent these diseases. Research has started in this part of the world, but still is in early stages. We adopt latest systems, but we have a long way to go in terms of research that will directly impact the society,' added Dr Afzalhussein Yusufali, consultant cardiologist, Dubai Hospital, Dubai Healthcare Authority.

The comments came during the release of new data from the Jupiter (Justification for the Use of statins in Primary prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) study that has demonstrated that Rosuvastatin 20 mg significantly reduced major cardiovascular events.

AstraZeneca expects to file a regulatory submission including the Jupiter data in the first half of 2009 and if approved, will begin promotional activities within the approved labeling.-TradeArabia News Service