The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), which includes most Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, has become one of the regions most affected by cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of CVDs in the region has risen sharply over the past three decades, largely due to preventable, lifestyle-related risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity.
In the MENA region specifically, the burden of cardiovascular conditions has more than doubled in the last 30 years, creating new pressures on healthcare systems and communities.
Cinfa’s Role in Cardiovascular Care
Against this backdrop, Spanish pharmaceutical company Cinfa has reaffirmed its role as a healthcare stakeholder in MENA, marking World Heart Day with a renewed commitment to cardiovascular care. The company’s strategy focuses on three key areas: professional education, early risk detection, and practical therapeutic options that encourage long-term patient adherence.
“Cardiovascular risk is an accumulative process that often begins early and progresses without symptoms,” said Dr. Alicia López de Ocáriz, Corporate Medical Director at Cinfa Group. “Early preclinical intervention, particularly for modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity, can significantly change outcomes. Our responsibility is to translate preventive strategies into accessible tools for routine practice.”
Prevention at the Core
The World Heart Federation estimates that up to 80% of CVDs could be prevented through healthier diets, regular exercise, and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol. Yet, statistics remain worrying. In the UAE, 28% of adults live with hypertension, and in countries such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, more than 70% of adults are overweight or obese. Among UAE nationals specifically, obesity affects over 30% of women and 25% of men.
These trends highlight the need for prevention and early intervention at the heart of healthcare policies across the region.
Therapeutic Solutions for Long-Term Outcomes
Cinfa supports clinicians by providing therapeutic options that help improve quality of life for people living with cardiovascular risk factors. The company’s MENA portfolio currently includes 12 molecules across several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.
- Antihypertensives: olmesartan, irbesartan, and valsartan, available as standalone therapies or combined with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and/or amlodipine.
- Lipid-lowering agents: atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and ezetimibe to manage cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular events.
Fixed-dose combinations, such as Olmedine HCT (olmesartan, amlodipine, HCTZ) and Vanguard CCB Plus (amlodipine, valsartan, HCTZ), simplify treatment by reducing pill burden and supporting better adherence. These therapies provide flexible dosing and address persistent hypertension through complementary mechanisms.
“Meaningful change begins well before symptoms appear,” Dr. López de Ocáriz noted. “Prevention, adherence, and early clinical intervention are crucial in reducing lifetime cardiovascular risk.”
Regional Presence and Impact
Cinfa’s cardiovascular portfolio has positioned it as one of the leading pharmaceutical providers in the UAE, according to IQVIA data from the first quarter of 2025. The company ranks strongly for molecules such as olmesartan, irbesartan, atorvastatin, and ezetimibe. It is also consolidating its presence in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait with recent launches of olmesartan-based therapies.
By focusing on prevention, therapeutic innovation, and patient adherence, Cinfa continues to expand its presence in MENA, reinforcing cardiology as a key therapeutic area and contributing to the fight against one of the region’s most urgent health challenges.
