Takeda hosted IBD Aware Forum to highlight the latest developments in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) care

In cooperation between the Saudi Society for Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP) and the Saudi Gastroenterology Association (SGA), and with the support of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, IBD Aware forum was held in Riyadh. The forum highlighted the latest developments related to the disease, in addition to discussing effective solutions for diagnosing it and ways to prevent complications through the use of the latest advanced treatment methods. It also witnessed a group of speakers and specialized healthcare professionals to ensure the provision of comprehensive visions in this field.

In an exclusive interview with Al Riyadh Daily, Professor Majid Al-Madi, Professor at the College of Medicine at King Saud University and President of the Saudi Gastroenterology Association (SGA), explained that Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects both males and females, typically emerging at the end of the first decade or the beginning of the second decade of life. He noted that while the incidence of IBD in the Kingdom is relatively low, it is considered a chronic condition, and treatment with medication is usually initiated early following diagnosis.

Regarding the main challenges associated with the disease, Prof. Al-Madi emphasized that delays in diagnosis often result from either the patient's or healthcare practitioner's procrastination. This delay complicates the treatment process, as many patients mistakenly believe their symptoms are due to common issues like intestinal disorders or irritable bowel syndrome, leading them to postpone seeking medical care. Even when patients eventually seek treatment, the delay may result in unnecessary medical interventions and ineffective medications before a proper diagnosis is made.

Regarding the primary causes of the disease, Prof. Al-Madi confirmed that there is no single specific cause. He believes that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role, particularly those the patient is exposed to during early childhood and throughout their growth stages. These factors may run in certain families, making the disease more prevalent in some, though it is not directly inherited. Additionally, he highlighted that one of the key contributing factors is the patient’s exposure to antibiotics and the adoption of a western lifestyle, both of which increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Prof. Al-Madi added that the forum focused on the ongoing collaboration between the Saudi Gastroenterology Association, the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals and the possibility of improving outcomes in the health sector by unifying practices through guidelines. “We worked to raise awareness among healthcare practitioners to ensure the implementation of best practices and medical interventions in patient care,” he said. “By unifying treatment approaches, we aimed to expedite the diagnosis of cases and optimize pharmaceutical interventions across the Kingdom.”