The Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (SSDDS) and Genpharm have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen scientific collaboration, advance medical education, and raise awareness of chronic skin diseases, with a particular focus on Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE).
The signing ceremony was attended by Flemming Gredsted, Chargé d’Affaires of the Royal Danish Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Frederik Kier, Executive Vice President, International Operations at LEO Pharma; Khalid Aouidat, Vice President Emerging Markets; Professor Abdullah Al Akeel, President of the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (SSDDS); Dr. Ruaa Al Harithy, Vice President of the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (SSDDS); and Adeeb Al Attar, Managing Director of Genpharm.
Dr. Ruaa Al Harithy, Vice President of the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, commented: “Saudi Arabia does not simply witness the moment; it defines the moment. By hosting the World Congress of Dermatology in 2031, Saudi Arabia cements its role as a strategic leader, a champion of science, and a creator of the future of global dermatology. Such strategic partnerships strengthen Saudi Arabia’s leadership role and support, through backing scientific research, improving quality of life, and enhancing healthcare.”
Adeeb Al Attar, Managing Director of Genpharm, said: “This signing ceremony is a continuation of the journey we began 14 years ago, and a continuation of our commitment to bring innovative solutions to patients in the region and Saudi Arabia.”
Frederik Kier, Executive Vice President, International Operations at LEO Pharma, added: “This partnership we are announcing today is going to be very important for people living with chronic hand eczema. They need to be educated, they need to be aware of their disease, and they need to be understanding how and where to get proper treatment in the future. So, the partnership we’re signing today is of paramount importance.”
And Professor Abdullah Al Akeel, President of the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (SSDDS) added: “This partnership is very important, in in raising the level of medical care in the Kingdom, for patients, and also for healthcare practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
A key focus of the partnership is Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE), a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 5% of adults worldwide. Beyond its physical symptoms, including severe itching, pain, skin fissures, and impaired hand function, CHE can have a profound impact on patients’ quality of life, mental well-being, and ability to work. Through education, scientific collaboration, and disease awareness initiatives, the partnership aims to promote earlier diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
This partnership supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by advancing healthcare innovation, empowering healthcare professionals, promoting early diagnosis, and improving patient outcomes.
Source: Saudi Gazette