News & Updates

Managing Pompe Disease: From Diagnosis to Enzyme Replacement Therapy

โรคปอมเปย์ (Pompe disease) เป็นโรคพันธุกรรมหายากในกลุ่ม lysosomal storage disease เกิดจากการขาดเอนไซม์ GAA ทำให้สะสมไกลโคเจนในเซลล์กล้ามเนื้อ แบ่งตามช่วงวัยที่แสดงอาการเป็นชนิด infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) และ late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) การรักษาหลัก คือ การให้เอนไซม์ทดแทน (enzyme replacement therapy; ERT) เช่น ยา avalglucosidase alfa ซึ่งเป็น ERT รุ่นใหม่ที่มีประสิทธิภาพและปลอดภัยทั้งใน IOPD และ LOPD ผลการศึกษาทางคลินิก พบว่า ยา avalglucosidase alfa ช่วยพัฒนาสมรรถภาพปอดในผู้ป่วย LOPD ได้ไม่ด้อยกว่า ERT รุ่นแรก และช่วยให้ผู้ป่วย IOPD ที่เปลี่ยนมาใช้ยามีกำลังกล้ามเนื้อคงที่หรือดีขึ้น รวมทั้งไม่เพิ่มความเสี่ยงต่อการแพ้ยา 

Advancing collaboration in COVID-19 care

Held in June 2025 in Singapore, the Pfizer COVID-CONNECT Masterclass convened international experts to discuss the evolving challenges of COVID-19. Co-chaired by Dr Asok Kurup and Dr Luke Moore, this event assessed the ongoing global impact of the disease and explored evidence-based strategies across the patient journey from early identification to effective treatment.

COVID-19 and beyond: Viral infections, preparedness, and long-term impact

At the recent COVID-CONNECT Masterclass, an expert-led session explored where COVID-19 stands among common viral infections today. In a non-promotional symposium supported by Pfizer, infectious disease specialist Dr Leong Hoe Nam, Mount Elizabeth Hospital Novena, Singapore, discussed strategies for managing viral infections and surge preparedness. Complementing this, Professor David Strain from the University of Exeter Medical School, UK highlighted the enduring burden of long COVID.

Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir shows benefits in immunocompromised individuals with COVID-19

Effective antiviral therapy is crucial for achieving sustained viral clearance and improving outcomes in patients with COVID-19, particularly among immunocompromised individuals.

At the recent ESCMID Global 2025 in Vienna, Austria, Ruth Mokgokong, a pharmacologist at Pfizer, UK, presented findings from the EPIC-IC trial, highlighting the benefits of an extended nirmatrelvir-ritonavir regimen in severely immunocompromised patients with symptomatic COVID-19.

Protecting the vulnerable: The role of oral antivirals in COVID-19 management

At the Asia Vaccines and Antivirals Summit (AVAS) 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand, two expert-led sessions provided valuable perspectives on the expanding role of oral antivirals in COVID-19 management. Dr Daniel Griffin, an infectious disease specialist and Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Columbia University, New York, US, focused on protecting high-risk populations through the timely use of antiviral therapy. Complementing this, Professor Ching-Tai Huang of Chang Gung University and Memorial Hospital in Taiwan offered practical guidance on clinical management strategies, including patient risk stratification and therapeutic selection.

What’s new, what’s hot in diabetes management: Snippets from ATTD-ASIA

ATTD-ASIA 2024, held recently in Singapore, was a huge success, with nearly 800 delegates from 49 countries gracing the event. ATTD-Asia 2024 chair, Professor Moshe Phillip, said the event brought together top diabetes experts to ensure patients can access the latest technologies and treatments for diabetes. MIMS Doctor reports highlights and snippets from the conference.

Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir efficacy and risk factors for COVID-19 hospitalization

The post-pandemic burden of COVID-19 remains significant in adults. Four studies from IDWeek 2024 highlight the benefits of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (NMV/r) for high-risk adults with SARS-CoV-2 immunity and link chronic conditions to COVID-19 hospitalization. Identifying high-risk patients and using NMV/r in outpatient settings can reduce severe outcomes.

Clinical considerations for patients at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19

COVID-19 has not gone away. New contagious variants continue to be a leading cause of death, with underlying conditions still influencing the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations, said Dr Ali Hassoun, Clinical Professor of Medicine and infectious disease specialist at Crestwood Medical Center, Huntsville, Alabama, US, who spoke at a Pfizer-sponsored session during IDWeek 2024.

To Obesity and Beyond: The Effects of GLP-1 RA for Weight Managements on Cardiovascular Health

Debunking the myths about DPP-4 inhibitors

Navigating the evolving landscape of diabetes management requires precise knowledge. In this exploration into the world of DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP4is), we aim to debunk prevalent myths and provide nuanced insights.