Under the title of “Endeavoring New Possibilities”, Sandoz Egypt has announced a specialised programme for the exchange of scientific expertise among local and international thought leaders in the organ transplantation field.
The programme aims to discuss the latest developments in kidney and liver transplants, based on sound scientific foundations for medical practice. It will review the latest updates tackled at kidney and liver transplantation conferences around the world. It will also evaluate different countries’ experiences in using generic immunosuppressants to help optimise organ transplantation operations.
The programme is scheduled to be held online over a three-month period between October and December 2020, with the participation of specialists from Egypt and international experts from European and Asian countries.
Dr Sameh El Bagoury, Country Head for Sandoz Egypt and Libya said, “The continuous developments in organ transplantations and intensive research carried out in this vital medical domain have made it a necessity to keep up with the latest scientific updates in the field that are in line with sound medical practices.”
He added, “Organ transplantation is a priority for Sandoz, and we are committed to taking the initiative to innovate and develop high-quality treatments in this area, cooperating with local entities whenever possible to contribute to the medical field in Egypt, and make necessary treatments available to the largest number of patients.”
He also praised the remarkable progress Egypt has made in kidney and liver transplants over the past few years, saving the lives of many patients in the country.
Professor Hany Hafez, Professor of Nephrology at Cairo University and President of the Egyptian Society of Nephrology and Transplantation, said that the scientific programme will focus on the challenges faced by the kidney transplant programme. It will also focus on the tools and measures available to prevent or slow down kidney function deterioration several years after surgery.
Hafez noted that two of the main reasons for unsuccessful operations in the long term are graft rejection and viral infections. The programme will address the possibility of tailoring a protocol of immunosuppressant drugs to each individual transplant patient, and will review the latest updates discussed at kidney transplant conferences in 2020.
The programme will probe ways to cut the costs covered by the state and patients, showcasing other countries’ experiences in using generic immunosuppressants.
Professor Refaat Kamel, Professor of hepatobiliary surgery at Ain Shams University and President of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation, said that the scientific programme would include a group of international experts in the liver transplant field.
It represents a true opportunity for the exchange of scientific expertise, allowing local physicians and consultants to benefit from other countries’ experiences.
“The work of Egyptian doctors specialised in liver transplants is on a par with the progress the world has achieved in the field and they have distinguished expertise in this area,” he said, “Cooperation in scientific activities between Sandoz and the national medical community is a cornerstone of our commitment to Egypt and a crucial element of continuous medical education, which we view as essential.
Dr Peter Effat, Head of the Medical Sector at Sandoz Egypt, said “Earlier this year, Sandoz announced the launch of two new immunosuppressants that have demonstrated their capacity to boost the success rates of kidney and liver transplant operations and improve the health conditions of patients.”
He added, “The two drugs, Tacrolimus (0.5 gm and 1 gm) and Mycophenolate Mofetil (500 mg), were produced in line with strict Sandoz standards and have obtained the approval of the US Food and Drug Authority (FDA). Both have effectively reduced transplanted organ rejection rates and have helped patients achieve a better quality of life.”
