Getz Pharma and Tabba Heart Institute have partnered to address the escalating burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in Pakistan. Together, they are conducting the country’s first extensive longitudinal cohort study on ASCVD risk assessment among the Pakistani population.

This 10-year study will recruit asymptomatic volunteers aged 30 years or older, with no prior history of cardiovascular disease, from both urban and rural areas. Participants’ risk factor profiles will be assessed and monitored to document the incidence of ASCVD over the study period.

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Filling the Data Gap

While Pakistan is the second-most populous country in South Asia, most ASCVD data from the region is derived from India, leaving the Pakistani population underrepresented in global research. Studies have shown that South Asians are at a significantly higher risk of developing ASCVD, with earlier onset and higher mortality compared to White populations. Despite progress in the West, ASCVD prevalence continues to rise in South Asia due to biological and lifestyle factors, highlighting the urgent need for country-specific data.

Remarks from Leadership

At the MoU signing ceremony, Khalid Mahmood, Managing Director and CEO of Getz Pharma, emphasized the importance of investing in primary healthcare to prevent diseases before they become an added burden on hospitals. He highlighted the limited healthcare spending in Pakistan and the critical need for early screening and prevention.

Dr. Bashir Hanif, Executive and Medical Director of Tabba Heart Institute, expressed gratitude to Getz Pharma for supporting this initiative. He remarked that the study would provide valuable insights into the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among younger, native Pakistanis and set a foundation for future preventive healthcare measures.

Commitment to Research

Getz Pharma has contributed USD 0.5 million to this initiative and, along with Tabba Heart Institute, aims to raise an additional USD 1.5 million over the next decade.

Long-Term Impact

The findings from this landmark study are expected to guide health policies for the native Pakistani population, enabling early interventions for ASCVD prevention. This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in Pakistan.