The United Arab Emirates has solidfied its position as a global healthcare pioneer. On January 12, 2026, the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) officially authorized Inpefa (sotagliflozin) for clinical use. This landmark decision makes the UAE the second country in the world to approve this specific dual-action medication for heart failure. Distributed in the region by Viatris, Inpefa represents a major shift in how chronic cardiac conditions, especially those complicated by diabetes and kidney disease, are managed in the Gulf.
What Makes Inpefa Different?
Unlike traditional SGLT2 inhibitors that focus primarily on the kidneys, Inpefa heart treatment is a first-of-its-kind dual inhibitor. It targets two specific proteins:
- SGLT2: Works in the kidneys to promote glucose and sodium excretion through urine.
- SGLT1: Works in the gastrointestinal tract to delay glucose absorption in the gut.
This “dual-action” approach provides a broader safety net for patients, particularly in managing post-meal blood sugar levels and reducing the fluid overload that often leads to emergency hospital visits.
Clinical Benefits for UAE Patients
According to Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of the EDE, the approval of Inpefa is a strategic move to address the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases in the region. Clinical trials (SOLOIST-WHF and SCORED) have shown that Inpefa can:
- Reduce Cardiovascular Death: Lowering the risk of mortality in high-risk heart failure patients.
- Prevent Re-hospitalization: Patients starting treatment during or shortly after a hospital stay saw benefits within just weeks.
- Support Kidney Health: Protecting renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Availability and Local Access
As of January 13, 2026, Inpefa is already becoming available in leading UAE healthcare facilities.
- Medcare Hospital Al Safa: Specialists like Dr. Brajesh Mittal have confirmed that the drug is being prescribed to eligible patients.
- Burjeel Hospitals: Cardiologists are integrating Inpefa into treatment plans for patients who haven’t responded to standard “four-pillar” heart failure therapies.
| Feature | Inpefa (Sotagliflozin) | Standard SGLT2 Inhibitors |
| Mechanism | Dual Inhibition (SGLT1 + SGLT2) | Selective Inhibition (SGLT2 only) |
| Primary Target | Kidneys & Gut | Kidneys only |
| UAE Status | Approved Jan 2026 | Widely Available |
| Best For | Heart Failure + Diabetes/CKD | General Heart Failure |
Positioning in the UAE Healthcare Strategy
The rapid approval of the Inpefa heart treatment reflects the UAE’s “Fast-Track” regulatory framework. By adopting global innovations within months of their international debut, the EDE ensures that residents do not have to wait years for life-saving medicine. Ayman Mokhtar, Regional President of Viatris (MENA), emphasized that their partnership with the UAE government aims to make this therapy accessible and affordable through local insurance networks by mid-2026.
Conclusion
For the thousands of residents in the UAE living with heart failure, the approval of Inpefa is more than just a regulatory update—it is a new lease on life. By targeting the heart, kidneys, and gut simultaneously, this medication sets a new standard for cardiovascular care in the Middle East.
