How to access Hemlibra from the UAE, the named-patient import pathway, 2026
By Reserve Meds · Clinical & regulatory team · Last reviewed 2026-04-23
An Emirati patient with Hemophilia A, either with or without factor VIII inhibitors, may receive a prescription for Hemlibra (emicizumab) from their treating haematologist for routine prophylaxis. Hemlibra is FDA-approved, developed by Roche/Genentech and Chugai, and is a bispecific antibody that bridges activated factor IX and factor X to mimic factor VIIIa cofactor function. It is administered subcutaneously with a flexible maintenance schedule of weekly, every-two-weeks, or every-four-weeks dosing. In the UAE, Hemlibra has a local presence but a named-patient import pathway can bridge a formulary or dose-regimen gap, for example when a specific paediatric presentation, a regimen not on MoH formulary, or an insurer-coverage gap needs to be closed for a specific patient.
This guide explains the legal pathway, what your haematologist needs to provide, typical timelines, and where Reserve Meds fits in.
Ask about Hemlibra in UAE
Tell us the medicine and your country. We reply within one business day. On WhatsApp we usually reply the same day.
The clinical situation
Hemlibra is labelled for routine prophylaxis in adult and paediatric Hemophilia A patients, and especially useful for inhibitor patients for whom factor VIII replacement is ineffective. The subcutaneous route and flexible cadence make it practical for paediatric patients and for adults with difficult venous access. Eligibility is a clinical decision by your haematologist based on bleed phenotype, inhibitor status, and regimen preference. Hemlibra is prophylaxis and does not treat acute bleeds, acute bleeds continue to require bypassing agents or factor VIII as clinically indicated.
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Is Hemlibra legally importable into the UAE?
Yes, through the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) named-patient import framework, when the requested dose, regimen, presentation, or supply is not met through the locally registered channel for a specific patient.
The named-patient mechanism allows an Emirati-licensed physician to request import of a medicine or specific presentation not locally available when: (a) the medicine is approved by a recognised reference authority (FDA qualifies), (b) no locally available alternative presentation meets this patient's clinical need, (c) the physician takes clinical responsibility, and (d) the importing party documents chain of custody. MoHAP reviews each application.
How the pathway works, step by step
- Consultation with your treating haematologist. Clinical rationale documented, including regimen, dose, and paediatric or adult status.
- Import authorisation application. Your physician or the importing pharmacy files the MoHAP named-patient documentation including clinical rationale, patient identification (de-identified where possible), product details, and chain-of-custody plan.
- US-side sourcing. Reserve Meds coordinates with our US-licensed pharmaceutical wholesale partner under DSCSA chain-of-custody.
- Cold-chain shipment. Temperature-controlled transport with documented chain of custody.
- Arrival and administration. Subcutaneous administration per your haematologist's protocol; many patients or caregivers self-inject at home.
- Ongoing coordination. Reserve Meds supports re-supply cadence aligned to the prescribed weekly, every-two-weeks, or every-four-weeks dosing schedule.
What documentation your physician needs
Your physician will typically need to provide:
- Clinical rationale letter confirming diagnosis, inhibitor status, and Hemlibra as the indicated therapy
- Verification of their UAE medical licence (SCFHS / MOH)
- Patient identifier (anonymised reference where possible)
- Prescription with specified regimen (loading and maintenance) and weight-based dose
- Planned administration setting (home-injection or clinic)
Reserve Meds provides a physician documentation kit that bundles the templates MoHAP reviewers expect to see.
Costs and timing
Medicine price: quote on request. Every case gets a written custom quote before you commit. Shipment, cold-chain logistics, and coordination add incremental cost; Reserve Meds issues a transparent quote at the start of intake.
We give you a written timeline estimate for your case before you commit. Re-supply is generally faster once the pathway is established.
If your clinical situation is time-sensitive, tell us at intake. We triage accordingly.
A culturally-aware note: haemophilia care in the UAE has active physician networks and patient advocacy groups, and we coordinate alongside, not in competition with, existing MoH channels. If your current route is working, stay on it; we are here for the formulary or supply gap.
Reserve Meds's role
Reserve Meds is a US-based digital health company that coordinates access to cross-border specialty medicine. For Hemlibra specifically, we provide:
- Sourcing. Through our US-licensed pharmaceutical wholesale partner, operating under DSCSA chain-of-custody.
- Documentation. Regulatory documentation package for your physician and for MoHAP review.
- Logistics. Cold-chain and temperature-monitored shipment coordination.
- Dedicated case lead. A named point of contact throughout the coordination.
What we do not do: We are not the prescriber. We do not practice medicine. We are not the dispensing pharmacy. All clinical decisions remain with your treating haematologist. Each case is scoped and prioritised individually.
Frequently asked
Is this legal? Yes, when executed through the MoHAP named-patient framework. See our trust and compliance page.
Can my child receive Hemlibra? Paediatric use is within labelled indications; your haematologist determines dose, regimen, and suitability.
What about acute bleeds? Hemlibra is prophylaxis, not acute-bleed treatment. Your haematology team provides an individualised breakthrough-bleed plan.
Can I self-inject? Many patients and caregivers are trained to self-inject at home. Training is arranged by your clinical team.
Will MoH or insurance cover any of this? Cash-pay is the default for named-patient imports. Some UAE patients may receive partial coverage for complex cases; we supply documentation for submission but do not process public-payer claims directly.
Next step
Composite case examples. This content is for general information and does not constitute medical advice.
Reviewed by the Reserve Meds clinical operations team. Last reviewed: 2026-04-23.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai
This guide covers the whole UAE, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. At federal level, medicines are regulated by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). MOHAP also issues permits to import medicines for personal use. Hospitals, clinics and doctors are licensed by the health authority of their own emirate: the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH) in Abu Dhabi, and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in Dubai.
In practice, the hospital that treats you follows the rules of its own emirate, so the paperwork is prepared for that hospital. Tell us which hospital or doctor is treating you, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or another emirate, and we prepare the document pack for that route.
Sources: Department of Health Abu Dhabi; Dubai Health Authority, Health Regulation Sector; MOHAP, permit to import medicines for personal use; Simmons & Simmons, UAE pharmaceutical law and the Emirates Drug Establishment.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get Hemlibra in the UAE if it is not approved or available there?
Reserve Meds coordinates US-sourced Hemlibra for patients in the UAE through a legal named-patient pathway, working with your treating doctor. Your treating physician provides the prescription and clinical justification; Reserve Meds prepares the named-patient documentation for the UAE and arranges DSCSA-compliant US sourcing and delivery to your physician or hospital pharmacy.
Can I access Hemlibra in the UAE through a named-patient import?
Often, yes. Named-patient access (sometimes called personal import) is the legal route we use for FDA-approved medicines such as Hemlibra. It is different from compassionate use, which covers investigational medicines through the manufacturer's own program; we do not supply investigational medicines. Eligibility and paperwork depend on the regulator in the UAE, and Reserve Meds maps the specific pathway for each market it coordinates.
Do I need a prescription to access Hemlibra in the UAE through Reserve Meds?
Yes. Reserve Meds is not a pharmacy and does not prescribe. A valid prescription and clinical justification from your treating physician are required, and all clinical decisions remain with your physician.
How does Reserve Meds deliver Hemlibra to a patient in the UAE?
Medicines are supplied through a US-licensed pharmaceutical wholesale partner, and Reserve Meds coordinates delivery of Hemlibra to your treating physician or hospital pharmacy in the UAE, with appropriate handling for the product.
How long does it take, and what does Hemlibra in the UAE cost through Reserve Meds?
After a short intake, the clinical team responds within one business day with case-specific feasibility, an indicative timeline, and a formal written quote. Cost depends on the destination, the prescribed regimen, and the duration of therapy, and is confirmed in writing before anything proceeds.
How do I start a request for Hemlibra in the UAE?
Submit a 60-second intake through the Reserve Meds patient portal, or message our team on WhatsApp. We reply within one business day. On WhatsApp we usually reply the same day.