Life-saving support from UAE: Entrepreneur delivers crucial drug at no cost to aid Kerala’s fight against brain-eating amoeba

Gulf Network

In a remarkable display of humanitarian support, UAE-based entrepreneur Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil has stepped in to assist the south Indian state of Kerala in its battle against the deadly Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Through his efforts, the state has received a vital batch of the life-saving drug Miltefosine, known for its effectiveness in treating PAM.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George received the first shipment from Germany on Monday, containing 56 medicines. A second batch is expected to arrive soon, ensuring continued support for those battling this rare and highly fatal infection.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder of the UAE-based VPS Healthcare, leveraged his extensive healthcare network to secure the drug and provide it at no cost to the Kerala government. The state government sought Dr. Shamsheer’s help following the sixth confirmed case of PAM.

Swift Intervention

PAM, caused by the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, is a rare but devastating infection with a fatality rate of 97%. The infection primarily affects children, and Kerala has reported multiple cases in recent months, with three fatalities.

Two children are currently receiving intensive care at a hospital in the state’s Kozhikode district. However, hope shines through the recovery of a 14-year-old boy named Afnan, underscoring the potential life-saving impact of Miltefosine.

Recognizing the effectiveness of Miltefosine (marketed as Impavido) in treating PAM, the state government has been actively working to procure the drug, which the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began recommending for PAM treatment in 2013. 

Elaborating on the efforts to procure the medicine, the Minister said, “Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is a very rare disease, and there is no specific medicine for its treatment.

The literature on this condition is also limited. When cases were recently reported in Kerala, we consulted with the Central government and identified Miltefosine as a crucial drug. However, its availability in India is very limited.

Thanks to the support of Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil and VPS Healthcare, this essential medicine has been handed over to the government. I extend my thanks to Dr. Shamsheer and his team for their timely assistance.”   

Miltefosine: Promising Drug to Fight PAM 

Naegleria fowleri causes severe inflammation in the brain, leading to tissue destruction and bleeding. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, Miltefosine effectively penetrates the blood-brain barrier and concentrates in the brain tissue, making it helpful in treating infections like PAM.

Initially developed in the 1980s as an anti-cancer agent, Miltefosine is now the only recognized oral treatment for leishmaniasis, a disease spread by sandflies. The drug has also shown promise against rare but deadly free-living amoebae infections, such as PAM and granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE).

The relatives of the children undergoing treatment for PAM expressed their immense relief and gratitude upon the arrival of the medicine. “I hope this medicine will help bring my son back to normal life. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Kerala government and Dr. Shamsheer for their efforts and support during this difficult time,” said one of the relatives. 

To ensure the continued availability of this crucial medication, a second batch of Miltefosine is expected to arrive within the next few days. Hafiz Ali Ullatt, India Head, VPS Healthcare, and Group Communications Officer M. Unnikrishnan, handed over the medication to the Minister in Thiruvananthapuram. 

“We are dedicated to supporting the Kerala government and the affected families during this critical time. Our task force is actively working to secure more medication and provide all necessary assistance,” said Hafiz Ali.

In 2018, when Kerala faced an outbreak of the Nipah virus, Dr. Shamsheer made a significant contribution by donating emergency healthcare supplies worth INR 1.75 crore, aiding the state's efforts to combat the deadly infection.