Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 20/10/2025
- Cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases affect over one billion people globally.[1]
- These diseases are interconnected and can amplify each other, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life.[2]
- Boehringer Ingelheim’s CRM Summit brought together over 300 experts from the Middle East and Africa to discuss the latest approaches in treating these interconnected conditions.
Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world’s leading research-driven biopharmaceutical companies, hosted its ‘CRM Summit’ on October 10th and 11th at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. The expert engagement forum brought together over 300 healthcare professionals from the Middle East and Africa to discuss the latest advancements in improving outcomes for patients with cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CRM) diseases.
CRM diseases affect over one billion lives globally.1 These conditions are closely interconnected, with disease in one system often exacerbating issues in the others, leading to a higher risk of complications.2 As such, an integrated, multidisciplinary approach is essential to improving outcomes and reducing the burden on patients.
The ‘CRM Summit’ provided a platform for medical experts to present cutting-edge research and share insights on the importance of early diagnosis, intervention, and holistic care in managing these complex diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Derek O’Leary, Regional Managing Director at Boehringer Ingelheim for the India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa (IMETA) region, said, “At Boehringer Ingelheim, our commitment goes beyond delivering innovative treatments and advancing clinical trials. We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative network across the medical community, driving meaningful partnerships, and enhancing knowledge exchange. Through forums like the ‘CRM Summit’, we aim to shape the future of care for patients living with CRM diseases across the region.”
Dr. Ebtesam Ba-Essa, Consultant Internist & Endocrinologist and Diabetologist at Alrawdha General Hospital, Almana Hospital (Aziziah), Dammam, Saudi Arabia and Cura Middle East Telemedicine, said, “With the number of people living with diabetes around the world predicted to increase to 853 million by 2050,[3] it is crucial to look beyond glucose control and address the interconnected risks to cardiovascular and kidney health. A holistic, multidisciplinary approach is key to reducing complications and improving long-term outcomes for patients living with type 2 diabetes.”
Dr. Feras Bader, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University and Founder and Chairman, Middle East Heart Academy, added, “Cardiovascular risk is a major concern for patients with CRM diseases, including type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and heart failure. Early detection and proactive management are critical to reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events and enhancing patient well-being.”
As a leading biopharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim remains committed to advancing the care of patients affected by CRM diseases. By pioneering innovative therapies and taking a holistic approach to treatment, the company continues to lead the way in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the health of communities today, and for generations to come.
About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that transform lives, today and for generations to come. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term, sustainable perspective. More than 53,000 employees serve over 130 markets in the two business units Human Pharma and Animal Health. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com
[1] Schechter M, Melzer Cohen C, Yanuv I, et al. Epidemiology of the diabetes-cardio-renal spectrum: a cross-sectional report of 1.4 million adults. Cardiovascular Diabetology. 2022;21(1):104. doi:10.1186/s12933-022-01521-9
[2] Marassi, M., & Fadini, G. P. (2023). The cardio-renal-metabolic connection: a review of the evidence. Cardiovascular diabetology, 22(1), 195. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-023-01937-x