News & Updates

Addressing the obesity challenge with semaglutide

Obesity is a global epidemic that is on the rise in Singapore. One in five adults will be living with obesity in 2025, with disastrous consequences. Early intervention with semaglutide could help.

Rapid point-of-care testing enables timely and targeted RTI treatment

According to the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, COVID-19 and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) ranked as the 1st and 5th leading causes of global disease burden across all age groups and genders.

Rapid point-of-care tests (POCTs) enable timely diagnosis, particularly in vulnerable populations at higher risk of severe illness, complications, and hospitalization. 

Redefining COPD care with dupilumab

During the Singapore launch event hosted by Sanofi for dupilumab, experts discussed the evolving role of immunobiologicals in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Internationally renowned pulmonologist Professor Klaus Rabe, The LungenClinic Grosshansdorf & Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Grosshansdorf, Germany, delivered a keynote lecture. This was followed by a clinically focused panel discussion moderated by Associate Professor Augustine Tee from Changi General Hospital, Singapore, with insights from Assistant Professor Tiew Pei Yee (Singapore General Hospital) and Dr Xu Huiying (Tan Tock Seng Hospital).

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Vaccination crucial to integrated dengue prevention and control in SEA

Southeast Asia (SEA) is one of the hotspots for dengue infections, with Indonesia and Thailand among the highly endemic countries. At a Takeda-sponsored symposium held during the 2nd APIC-ADVA Asia Pacific Summit on Infectious Diseases and Immunization in Singapore, experts focused on vaccination as an integral component of a holistic dengue prevention and control strategy in SEA.

*The editorial below is supported by Takeda Pharmaceuticals International AG Singapore Branch and is intended solely for informational purposes. Takeda has not influenced or contributed to the editorial content. While Takeda has provided financial support for the editorial, Takeda shall not be held responsible or liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in such information.

Momelotinib: A game-changer for managing myelofibrosis with anaemia

On November 1, 2024, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved momelotinib for treating myelofibrosis in adult patients with moderate-to-severe anaemia who are either JAK inhibitor-naïve or have been treated with ruxolitinib. The approval was based on data from three pivotal trials — SIMPLIFY-1, SIMPLIFY-2, and MOMENTUM. [Health Sciences Authority. Momelotinib (Omjjara) product information leaflet 2024]

This article explores the burden of anaemia in myelofibrosis, the evidence supporting momelotinib, and insights from renowned expert Dr Yvonne Loh, Haematologist at Curie Oncology, Singapore, on the challenges of treating myelofibrosis and momelotinib’s evolving role. 

 

GOLD 2025 Guideline: What’s new + Dupilumab’s role in reducing COPD exacerbations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide and the 10^th in Singapore, highlighting its significant health burden. [https://www.moh.gov.sg/resources-statistics/singapore-health-facts/principal-causes-of-death] Preventing exacerbations is critical, as only 50 percent of patients survive beyond 3.6 years after a COPD-related hospitalization. [Thorax 2012;67:957-963]

This article explores key updates from the GOLD 2025 guidelines, focusing on cardiovascular risk and emerging therapies. Notably, dupilumab has demonstrated efficacy in reducing exacerbation frequency, offering new hope for patients with COPD and type 2 inflammation.

MIMS Doctor also interviewed Dr Ong Kian Chung, a Respiratory Physician at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, President of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Association, Singapore, and a member of the GOLD Assembly, to gain expert insights on these advancements. 

Role of CGRP in acute migraine treatment and prevention: Evolving strategies and regional insights

This article highlights key insights from the Asia Migraine Healers Academy 2025, a Pfizer-organized event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where renowned experts Professor Andrew Charles (US) and Dr Mianwang He (China) discussed advancements in migraine management.

Phenotype-guided treatment for obesity: Does naltrexone/bupropion fit?

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial disease that results in impaired quality of life and reduced life expectancy. Lifestyle modifications involving dietary interventions, physical activity, and behavioural changes remain the cornerstone of obesity management. However, lifestyle modifications are often insufficient, making other treatment modalities, including pharmacotherapy, an important option.

Evidence-based strategies to optimise the management of respiratory diseases

On 9 November 2024, GSK organised the 2024 Respiratory Summit: Breath Easy, Live Fully under the auspices of the Singapore Thoracic Society. The summit featured presentations from esteemed experts, Dr Chew Si Yuan and Dr Steve Yang, who discussed recent updates to the guidelines for respiratory diseases – such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections – and strategies to optimise patient outcomes. The session was chaired by Dr Jim Teo.