1:08:25 PM | 4/11/2025
Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, recently partnered with the Vietnam Heart Association to host the scientific symposium “A Decade of Easy Choice for Protection”, marking 10 years since the global introduction of Empagliflozin into clinical practice.
The event gathered top local and international experts in the field of Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic, along with over 800 healthcare professionals attending both in person and virtually. Discussions centered around the latest treatment trends, highlighting the importance of early intervention and comprehensive disease management for Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic patients.
The symposium gathered top experts in the field of Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolicfrom both Vietnam and abroad, with the participation of over 800 healthcare professionals joining onsite and online
The symposium served not only as a platform for in-depth scientific exchange but also marked a significant step forward in the journey of treatment innovation – both in Vietnam and globally. With the latest clinical data and proven therapeutic outcomes, the event opened new pathways for improving Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic health outcomes and enhancing quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic conditions – including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes – are among the most pressing healthcare challenges. These conditions are closely interconnected, often coexisting and mutually exacerbating one another. For instance, over 60% of patients with chronic kidney disease also have cardiovascular disease; 30–40% of heart failure patients also suffer from chronic kidney disease; and approximately 40% of diabetes patients have kidney complications. Notably, 16% of patients with heart failure are also diagnosed with both diabetes and kidney disease, while 20–40% of heart failure patients have diabetes, and one in three individuals with diabetes suffer from cardiovascular disease. Effective management of these overlapping conditions requires an integrated approach that addresses all three simultaneously.
Diabetes is associated with serious complications – especially affecting the heart and kidney, two vital organs essential to sustaining life. Alarmingly, its global prevalence continues to rise. An estimated 537 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, more than 60 million suffer from heart failure, and approximately 850 million are affected by chronic kidney disease.
In Vietnam, Cardiovascular–Renal-Metabolic diseases pose a heavy burden on the healthcare system, with cardiovascular diseases alone accounts for 21% of national health burden, followed by diabetes and kidney disease, which together contribute 6.3% of the total burden.
Leading national and international experts in CRM healthcare came together for a panel discussion held as part of the symposium
Originally developed to treat diabetes, Empagliflozin has demonstrated far-reaching benefits beyond blood sugar control. It is currently the first and only SGLT2 inhibitor approved in Vietnam to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, while also slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In 2023, the Vietnam Ministry of Health approved its use in treating heart failure - regardless of ejection fraction – based on its proven ability to reduce cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations. Building on this success, Empagliflozin has also been approved for CKD treatment in a broad patient population, including those with a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as low as 20 ml/min/1.73 m².
Since 2018, on the journey alongside doctors in Vietnam, Empagliflozin has helped improve Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic health for 461,416 patients, supporting them to live longer, healthier lives. These efforts have also contributed to reducing the clinical, economic, and societal burden on patients, families, and the national healthcare system.
Accelerating early intervention to protect community health
At the “A Decade of Easy Choice for Protection” symposium, experts strongly emphasized the need for early intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration to effectively manage Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic diseases.
In Vietnam, approximately 7 million people are currently living with type 2 diabetes. Research estimates that with timely intervention and early treatment, more than 21,682 lives with type 2 diabetes could be saved annually, and over 17,000 cardiovascular-related deaths could be prevented. Additionally, early disease management could also save an estimated 588 billion VND per year by reducing the need for dialysis and the treatment of related complications.
Professor Nguyen Lan Viet, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam National Heart Association, delivered a keynote address at the symposium
Professor Nguyen Lan Viet, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam National Heart Association, shared: “Cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases are deeply interconnected and often coexist, creating a cycle that increases health risks and accelerates disease progression. This close association underscores the urgent need for early intervention through timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment to better manage these conditions and improve outcomes for patients at risk”.
Professor Javed Butler, President of Baylor Scott and White Research Institute (USA), added: “Proactive screening, especially among high-risk populations, is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe complications. Early detection and timely treatment not only extend patients’ lives but also significantly improve their quality of life - easing both physical suffering and emotional burdens for patients and their families”.
Mr. Oliver Koehncke, General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam, delivered his remarks at the symposium
According to Mr. Oliver Koehncke, General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam, Empagliflozin is not just a medical innovation – it is a testament to Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare systems worldwide. “The 10-year journey of advancing Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic protection with Empagliflozin marks a meaningful milestone, contributing to a more comprehensive treatment landscape for Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic conditions. The research and development of Empagliflozin clearly demonstrate Boehringer Ingelheim’s long-standing legacy of continuous innovation aimed at driving positive change and helping to save millions of lives. Looking ahead, we remain committed to advancing research and developing breakthrough solutions in the Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic field - continuing our mission to transform lives for generations. Because to us, every heartbeat matters" – Mr. Oliver Koehncke added.
Source: Vietnam Business Forum
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