A new lung cancer drug approved in the UAE is a major breakthrough in the fight against the disease, one of the country's leading experts said.
The UAE this week became the second country in the world to approve the use of Lumakras.
The drug targets a genetic mutation, known as Kras G12C, which is common in cases of non-small cell lung cancer.
This drug is a revolution in the fight against lung cancer
This is something previously thought impossible, according to Dr Humaid Al Shamsi, associate professor of oncology at the University of Sharjah.
"The scientific community is so excited because everybody has been dreaming about targeting this mutation for a long time," Dr Al Shamsi said.
“This drug is a revolution in the fight against lung cancer because it enables us to do something we were not able to do in the past.”
Lumakras, which is taken once a day in the form of eight tablets, is for people suffering from non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery.
The drug is to be taken by adult patients who have had at least one previous cancer therapy.
"It is for patients in the advanced stages of the disease," Dr Al Shamsi said.
Lung cancer causes more deaths each year than any other cancer, according to the World Health Organisation.
The most recent data from the WHO said lung cancer caused 1.8 million deaths globally in 2020, almost double that of colon and rectal cancer, which was next on the list with 935,000 deaths.
Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for up to 85 per cent of all cases of lung cancer.
In the UAE, lung cancer is responsible for 7 per cent of all cancer cases, with 90 per cent of the cases linked to smoking.
Early detection is crucial
Dr Al Shamsi, who is also the president of Emirates Oncology Society, said the new drug could extend the lifespan of patients by up to 12 months.
He called for smokers, especially those over the age of 50 who have been smoking a pack a day for 15 years or more, to get screenings for lung cancer at the first available opportunity.
“If you are over 50 and have a history of smoking you should talk to your doctor about lung cancer screenings,” he said.
“It’s no good waiting until you have symptoms. If you have cancer but it’s in the early stages then it will be much easier to treat.
“Once you have the symptoms, it’s most likely already at an advanced stage.”
Early detection is crucial because the farther cancer has spread the more likely it is to return.
It is expected that between 30 per cent and 55 per cent of people with non-small cell lung cancer will experience a recurrence of the disease.
Dr Al Shamsi also said the number of young people in the UE smoking was on the increase, a trend at odds with other parts of the world.
“There is still a lack of awareness about the negative effects of smoking,” he said.
“The best scenario is to speak to a doctor about smoking cessation as it can be difficult to stop on your own.”
He also urged people who were trying to quit to stay away from surroundings that might tempt them to light up again.
“You should try to avoid gatherings where you know others will be smoking,” he said.
“Research shows you are more likely to start smoking again if you don’t change your habits or environment.”
Smoking, he said, is known to be the cause of at least 16 different types of cancer.
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
