Sanofi and SSDDS collaborate to transform dermatological care in Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA— The Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (SSDDS) has partnered with Sanofi, a global healthcare leader renowned for its innovative treatments to transform dermatological care across Saudi Arabia.

This collaboration, formalized through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), represents a significant milestone for both organizations and promises to bring lasting benefits to patients and healthcare professionals alike.

This partnership comes a few months after Sanofi announced that it will leverage its global expertise in insulin manufacturing within Saudi Arabia, aiming to provide patients with a more stable and high-quality supply of diabetes medications.

The new agreement with SSDDS, however, broadens the scope of collaboration, focusing specifically on enhancing the quality and accessibility of dermatological care throughout the Kingdom.

At the heart of this initiative is a shared commitment to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to foster innovation and excellence in healthcare.

By joining forces, SSDDS and Sanofi aim to strengthen the role of dermatologists, foster public-private collaboration, and drive forward new standards in patient care.

One of the key areas of focus will be improving the management of chronic and immunological skin diseases, particularly Type 2 inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis.

This skin disorder, which affects up to 20% of children in Saudi Arabia, is just one example of the considerable burden that dermatological conditions place on individuals and the healthcare system.

 According to the Ministry of Health, skin-related issues account for around 12% of visits to primary healthcare centers, making them one of the leading reasons for specialist consultations.

Common conditions include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and various infectious diseases-all of which can have a profound psychological and social impact, especially among young people.

Environmental and climatic changes have contributed to a noticeable rise in allergic skin conditions, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness and innovative treatment options.

Recognizing this, the partnership will prioritize not only clinical advancements but also public education and support.

The MoU signing ceremony brought together key figures from the healthcare sector and Sanofi representatives, highlighting the broad support for this initiative.

 Dr. Abdullah Al-Akeel, President of SSDDS, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing that it will bolster medical education, promote scientific research, and enhance clinical practices across Saudi Arabia.

He noted that empowering Saudi dermatologists to stay at the forefront of global advancements will ultimately lead to better care for patients.

Echoing this sentiment, Preeti Futnani, MCO Lead and Specialty Care General Manager for Greater Gulf at Sanofi, stressed the importance of strong partnerships with national scientific organizations in driving sustainable innovation.

She highlighted that through collaboration with SSDDS, Sanofi aims to expand access to advanced treatments and strengthen patient support initiatives such as the ‘My Journey with Dupilumab’ program, which is designed to improve patient outcomes and experiences.

Looking ahead, the partnership will see SSDDS and Sanofi jointly launch certified training programs, organize scientific conferences, and conduct specialized workshops for healthcare professionals.

The initiative also includes public awareness campaigns and a focus on digital transformation to enhance diagnostic capabilities and healthcare delivery.

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