“Early Kidney Disease Detection: Long Châu and Boehringer Ingelheim Join Forces.”

According to medical experts, chronic kidney disease is a pressing health concern in Vietnam, affecting over 8.7 million people, or 12.8% of the population. However, early detection rates are low, with only 4.5-15.5% of patients being diagnosed at stage 3. Approximately 800,000 people have reached the end stage, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant, with a nearly 50% mortality rate within five years of treatment, resulting in significant economic and social burdens.

To effectively address this issue, Long Chau Pharmacy is elevating its strategic partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim by pioneering a community-based early detection program for chronic kidney disease. This program specifically targets high-risk individuals such as patients with chronic diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders, aiming to facilitate early detection and mitigate potentially life-threatening complications.

This campaign also marks the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the active ingredient EMPAGLIFLOZIN in Vietnam, carrying the message: “Early Detection – Timely Control of Chronic Kidney Disease to Protect Cardiometabolic Health – Towards a Healthy Life.” A notable highlight of the program is the collaboration between Long Chau Pharmacy, Boehringer Ingelheim, and local healthcare centers in utilizing rapid urine protein testing, a modern tool for early detection of proteinuria, a potential sign of underlying kidney disease. Positive cases will receive counseling and guidance on further specialized tests to comprehensively assess kidney function, enabling early treatment and proactive prevention of severe complications. This urgent initiative empowers individuals to take charge of their health, facilitating timely detection of abnormalities through scientific surveys and subsequent early medical intervention.

This year, with an expanded scale, the two units will jointly implement 30 programs in numerous provinces nationwide. Previously, Long Chau and Boehringer Ingelheim signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement and organized free screenings for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease at select Long Chau pharmacies and local health stations.

Ms. Nguyen Do Quyen, Deputy General Director of FPT Retail and Executive Director of FPT Long Chau Pharmacy, shared: “Today marks a significant milestone as Long Chau and Boehringer Ingelheim jointly launch a nationwide community campaign for early detection of chronic kidney disease, especially in diabetic patients, a silent yet serious condition often overlooked. At Long Chau Pharmacy, kidney disease consistently ranks among the top 10 groups of diseases for which prescriptions are most frequently written, reflecting its prevalence and the growing need for early intervention and prevention. Through this program, the two units will collaborate with local healthcare centers across Vietnam to offer simple, rapid, and completely free urine protein tests to thousands of individuals. More importantly, the community will have the opportunity for timely diagnosis and access to early preventive measures.”

“With over 2,000 stores nationwide, we believe that providing medication is just one link in the healthcare journey. True care lies in proactively connecting, raising awareness, and delivering more accessible preventive solutions. With a team of 18,000 professionally trained pharmacists who are conscious of their mission in community healthcare, we are more than just a pharmacy; we are committed to being the bridge that contributes to elevating healthcare for Vietnamese people. We are incredibly proud to accompany Boehringer Ingelheim on this path,” emphasized Ms. Quyen.

The active ingredient Empagliflozin is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adult patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Mr. Oliver Koehncke, General Director of Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam, shared: “This series of free early detection programs for chronic kidney disease marks a significant step forward in the collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam and FPT Long Chau, aiming at providing comprehensive care for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic health to millions of patients. This effort reflects our shared belief that healthcare should be accessible, proactive, and centered on prevention rather than solely on treatment.

This activity is also one of the meaningful initiatives for Boehringer Ingelheim this year as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the introduction of Empagliflozin globally – the SGLT2i indicated to reduce cardiovascular death in type 2 diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease, while also slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease. In the next phase, Boehringer Ingelheim pledges to further strengthen research and development of breakthrough solutions in the field of Cardiometabolic Health, continuing our mission to improve the lives of generations in Vietnam,” added Mr. Oliver.

Enhanced control, early detection, and effective management play a crucial role in disease prevention and building a healthy community.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam is also committed to accompanying FPT Long Chau in conducting training to enhance the skills of direct and online counseling related to Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic diseases for medical staff and pharmacists working in the pharmacy chain, following the criteria: right disease, right medicine, right dose, right method.