Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi has introduced the Gulf’s first chronic sinusitis treatment administered once every six months. The new biologic injection, Exdensur, helped a 43-year-old Emirati patient regain his sense of smell after years of recurring symptoms and two unsuccessful sinus surgeries.
ABU DHABI: Burjeel Medical City has introduced the Gulf’s first chronic sinusitis treatment requiring just two injections a year, offering fresh hope to patients struggling with persistent nasal blockages, loss of smell and recurring sinus infections.
The hospital administered Exdensur (depemokimab), an ultra-long-acting biologic therapy, to a 43-year-old Emirati man who had suffered from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps for more than five years.
The procedure was carried out with the support and oversight of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in specialist healthcare across the Gulf.
Patient regains sense of smell after years of suffering
The patient had previously undergone two sinus surgeries, but his symptoms returned after temporary relief.
His condition affected his ability to smell food and perfumes, disrupted his sleep and caused ongoing fatigue.
Following the injection, doctors reported an improvement in his nasal symptoms and the return of his sense of smell.
Dr Yogesh More, Consultant and Co-Director of the Burjeel ENT Head & Neck Institute, led the medical team administering the therapy.
“One of the most important benefits we have seen is the return of the patient’s sense of smell,” said Dr More.
He explained that conventional treatments, including steroids and sinus surgery, do not always provide lasting relief for patients with severe disease.
How does the six-month sinus injection work?
Unlike treatments that require more frequent administration, Exdensur is designed to control inflammation through a single injection given under the skin every six months.
The medicine targets interleukin-5, a protein involved in the inflammatory response associated with certain chronic sinus conditions.
The chronic sinusitis treatment is intended for eligible adults with severe nasal polyps whose symptoms remain inadequately controlled despite established medical or surgical interventions.
It is not a universal cure for sinus infections and must be prescribed following specialist assessment.
For suitable patients, the longer dosing interval could reduce the burden of frequent treatment appointments while helping manage recurring symptoms.
Could the treatment reduce repeat sinus surgeries?
According to Dr More, biologic therapies may help reduce disease recurrence and the need for further surgical intervention in appropriately selected patients.
However, individual responses can vary, and ongoing medical supervision remains essential.
Patients experiencing persistent nasal obstruction, reduced smell or recurring sinus problems should seek specialist evaluation rather than assuming they require the injection.
Impact to expect
The introduction of this chronic sinusitis treatment could expand advanced ENT care in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. For eligible patients facing repeated symptoms and surgery, twice-yearly dosing may provide a more convenient treatment option, potentially improving everyday comfort, sleep and quality of life.
