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AstraZeneca’s Dapagliflozin now approved to treat adult patients with heart failure in Phl

Dapagliflozin, a medicine developed by British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, is now approved in the Philippines for the treatment of adult patients suffering from heart failure.

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Dapagliflozin, a medicine developed by British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, is now approved in the Philippines for the treatment of adult patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) to reduce the need for hospitalization and risk of mortality.

With the approval, Dapagliflozin is the first and only drug under the sodium glucose transport protein 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) class approved to treat heart failure in adult patients with reduced ejection fraction. It is the only SGLT2i proven to significantly prevent cardiovascular death and death due to other causes in these heart failure patients.

In a virtual discussion hosted by AstraZeneca Philippines, experts from the Philippines and around the world talked about the latest medical development and treatment for heart failure.

According to Dr. Erlyn Demerre, chair of Heart Failure Program at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, heart failure is dominating the cardiovascular landscape not just in the Philippines but globally. It is considered a global pandemic affecting a lot of people worldwide and it is increasing in prevalence.

Global data show that the overall known prevalence rate of heart failure is three to 20 patients per 1,000 population although this exceeds a 100 per 1,000 in those age 65 years and over. The annual incidence of heart failure is one to five per 1,000 and the relative incidence doubles for each decade of life after the age of 45, and that in one in three die within a year and one out of four are re-admitted in a hospital in 30 days with much morbidity and poor quality of life.

“It is still an ongoing pandemic. Much work has been put into the study of heart failure and we are definitely on a better position in the diagnosis and management of heart failure now. But, ironically, despite medical management and significant advance in therapies and prevention, heart failure is still a major and increasing burden all over the world with high mortality and morbidity and poor quality of life,” said Demerre.  

Lotis Ramin, country president at AstraZeneca Philippines, relayed that nine out of 10 patients are symptomatic even with current heart failure standard of care (SoC), and nearly one-third or one out of three patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction are at risk of hospitalization which increases the risk of mortality.

Professor David Sim, president of the Heart Failure Society in Singapore, noted that nine million people in Southeast Asia have heart failure with an overall 15% mortality rate. However, pharmacological options for heart failure have increased over the last decade and guideline-directed heart failure pharmacotherapy cumulatively reduced mortality by 76%. 

Sim emphasized that “the approval of Dapagliflozin for the treatment of HFrEF in the Philippines is a major step forward in the battle against the disease burden of heart failure. Together with the current standard of care, Dapagliflozin will contribute further to a lower mortality, less hear failure hospitalization and importantly a better quality of life for patients suffering from heart failure.”

In his presentation on Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse-outcomes in Heart Failure Trial (DAPA HF) Trial: A New Era in Heart Failure Management, Professor Piotor Ponikowski of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology cited that “heart failure is becoming a preventable and treatable diseases, with medication that allows patients to live longer and live better outside of hospital.”

It is the first outcomes trial with an SGLT2 inhibitor investigating the treatment of HFrEF. The results showed a reduction of 26% in the occurrence of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure (hHF) and Urgent Hospital Visit for heart failure along with a 30% reduction in hHF. Dapagliflozin’s significant 18% reduction in cardiovascular death and 17% reduction on death due to other causes which were only seen in the DAPA HF study.

“Dapagliflozin has the ability to reduce mortality, prevent hospital admission, improve clinical status, functional capacity, and quality of life,” said Ponikowski.

With the confirmation of Dapagliflozin as a medication to treat adult persons suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, Ramin said “we hope this development and Dapagliflozin life-saving efficacy can transform the heart failure standard of care.”

REYNALDO “Rey” R. VICENTE’s career experience involves mostly research in publishing companies. He previously held the position of Research and Events Director of Media G8way Corp., publisher of Computerworld Philippines (CWP), PC World Philippines, and IT Resource. He also handled events organized for CWP. Prior to this, he was a Research Head of a business publication. Now as co-publisher of Zest Magazine, Rey also serves as Managing Editor. Rey finished his bachelor’s degree majoring in Economics at the University of Santo Tomas.

Product Showcase

TCL marks 25th anniversary, unveils new products with health and environmental protection features

TCL Electronics, a consumer electronic products provider, offers reliable solutions to these challenges when it unveiled four new product innovations equipped with latest technologies that prioritize health and environment protection.

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Challenges such as extreme temperatures, poor air quality, and changing weather patterns affect health as well as energy usage, prompting consumers to balance comfort and convenience while managing electricity consumption.

TCL Electronics, a consumer electronic products provider, offers reliable solutions to these challenges when it unveiled four new product innovations equipped with latest technologies that prioritize health and environment protection. These appliances – QD MiniLED TV, FreshIN 3.0 air conditioner, Fresh Pro refrigerator, and Front Loading washing machine – were launched during the company’s 25th anniversary celebration.  

The TCL QD MiniLED TV, which combines QLED and OLED technologies to offer contrast and color gamut while providing higher peak brightness and a longer lifespan, has feature that protects vision. The product is certified by TUV for Low Blue Light Emission that reduces eye strain and potential long-term damage. It is also equipped with Flicker-Free technology to minimize screen flickering for a more comfortable viewing experience. The Ambient Light Adaptation feature adjusts brightness to reduce eye strain while the MEMC Motion Stabilization ensures smoother visuals and reduced eye fatigue.

For environmental protection, the TCL MiniLED TV has energy efficiency features such as the Powerful Light-emitting chip that provides 10% increase in energy efficiency, thereby reducing power consumption, and the QD MiniLED technology for a longer span, minimizing electronic waste and the need for frequent replacements.

The TCL FreshIN 3.0 air conditioner also uses technologies that prioritize health and environment care. Foremost among these is the FreshIN technology that provides fresh air while maintaining stable indoor temperatures, removing odors, optimizing humidity, and increasing oxygen levels. This newest innovation has a real-time quality display with an integrated TVOC sensor that detects harmful particles, and maintains a healthy indoor environment.

The air conditioner has a quadruple purification system that includes a preliminary filter, silver ion antibacterial layer HEPA high-efficiency filter, and high-density filter which ensure efficient air purification and removing up to PM2.5 particles and allergens. It also has an evaporator with self-cleaning process that includes dewing, frosting, defrosting, drying, and sterilizing to eliminate bacteria.

To care for the environment, the FreshIN 3.0 air conditioner is equipped with energy-saving technology that enables the compressor to adjust its operation frequency and allocate cooling power efficiently, achieving up to 37% energy-saving rate. Its Innovative Reverse Clean technology removes dust and debris from the outdoor unit, ensuring clog-free air conditioners and prolonging its lifespan.

The health protection technology that the TCL Fresh Pro refrigerator offers to its customers is the T-Fresh system that reduces bacteria by up to 99.99% through advanced sterilization, keeping food fresher and safer for long. It also utilizes an advanced purification module to absorb unwanted odors, ensuring a clean and odor-free environment.

For its environment protection features, the TCL Fresh Pro refrigerator uses a variable-speed compressor to maintain ideal temperatures, reducing energy consumption by up to 15% and saving money on electricity bills. The product also offers a 10-year warranty on inverter compressor to ensure durability and reliability while reducing electronic waste.

Customers who are looking for a washing machine that has both health and environment protection features can try the TCL front loading washing machine. This product features Steam Wash which eliminates most common bacteria to ensure hygienic protection for your laundry, and Anti-bacteria Gasket which inhibits the production of bacteria and mildew to keep laundry clean and hygienic.

To protect the environment, the TCL washing machine has a BLDC Inverter Motor that reduces vibration, noise and energy consumption. This washing machine is rated A-energy class, indicating low environmental impact. Apart from these, the product also offers an Auto Weight System which automatically adjusts water consumption and cycle duration according to the weight of the load, saving water and energy.

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Beauty & Fashion

Posh Skin Co. launches new pimple patch designs

Posh Skin Co. reinforces its commitment to making acne skin solutions more accessible, fun, and confidence-boosting than ever as it launches new designs of its innovative pimple patches.

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Posh Skin Co. levels up its skincare game as it steps into a new era with a clean new look. With this fresh transformation, Posh Skin Co. reinforces its commitment to making acne skin solutions more accessible, fun, and confidence-boosting than ever as it launches new designs of its innovative pimple patches.

Trendy, Effective, and Fun Pimple Patch Designs

Posh Skin Co.’s rebrand also brings in a new lineup of pimple patch designs, crafted to meet different skincare needs while offering a fresh and fashionable take on blemish care. The new designs include yellow star patches, multicolored star patches, metallic foil patches, for a fun, and comfortable acne treatment experience that lasts all day. The ultra-thin daytime patches provide a discreet and seamless coverage for all-day wear, while the nighttime rescue patches are designed to accelerate blemish healing while you sleep.


The pimple patches now come in new packaging with a sleeker, more minimalist look, following Posh Skin Co.’s rebrand.

“We took on a cleaner and simpler packaging approach to let the pimple patch designs speak for themselves,” said renowned fashion stylist and Posh Skin Co. partner, Charmaine Palermo. “We wanted to highlight what truly matters—effective skincare that empowers people.”

Formulated with the same powerful ingredients, these new pimple patch designs offer users improved coverage, comfort, and effectiveness, and make acne care more wearable and confidence-boosting than ever.

A Fresh, New Chapter 

Posh Skin Co.’s new look aligns with the brand’s vision of expansion in the Philippines. Not only is Posh Skin Co. adding new designs to its pimple patch offerings but will also be providing new, versatile acne solutions that fit effortlessly into any lifestyle.

“Acne care should be as dynamic as people’s lives because breakouts can happen at any time,” remarked Palermo. “We wanted to offer more options to treat and prevent breakouts effectively, so we are expanding our line with acne solutions that can easily integrate into any skincare routine.”

With inclusivity and accessibility still at the brand’s core, Posh Skin Co. ensures that the skin treatment they offer will still be a stress-free and empowering experience for all users. As it broadens its pimple patch offerings and develops new skin treatment solutions, Posh Skin Co. continues to deliver innovative skincare to Filipinos.

Say “Bye” to Blemishes, and “Hello” to Confidence with Posh Skin Co.® Pimple Patches

Look good and feel confident while treating your blemishes with Posh Skin Co. pimple patches, available for PHP199 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the official Posh Skin Co. website and select Watsons stores nationwide.

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Product Showcase

Anko to open third and largest store in PH

This expansion follows Anko’s debut in the Philippines with its first store opening in Glorietta 2, Makati City, in November 2024, and the upcoming launch of its second branch in Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City, in May 2025.

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Anko, Australia’s much-loved home and lifestyle brand, is set to open its third and largest store in the Philippines in July 2025 at Ayala Group’s Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.

Spanning 1,634 square meters, the new store will offer 1,421 square meters of retail space, with the remaining area allocated for office and stockroom use to support operations efficiently.

This expansion follows Anko’s debut in the Philippines with its first store opening in Glorietta 2, Makati City, in November 2024, and the upcoming launch of its second branch in Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City, in May 2025.

A striking board-up in Anko’s signature magenta hue is now on display at Level 1 of Trinoma’s Activity Center, building excitement for the grand opening.

Shoppers can look forward to an expansive selection of thoughtfully designed and affordably priced products, ranging from home living essentials and smart storage solutions to beauty must-haves, nursery items, children’s toys, electronics, pet supplies, and arts and crafts.

“Opening in Trinoma is a natural next step for Anko in the Philippines. We want to be where Filipino families already shop for their homes, and Metro Manila’s top malls provide the perfect space to introduce more people to our brand,” said Arjun Puri, CEO of Anko Global.

Puri noted Anko’s efficient product development process, which enables the brand to provide quality home essentials at consistently low prices.

“By managing the entire process—from design and sourcing to production and retail—we streamline operations and keep costs down. This allows us to offer well-designed, functional products that align with international trends at prices that make sense for our Filipino customers,” he said.

Rachel Turner, Country Manager of Anko Philippines, added, “Anko is all about making everyday living brighter. With our Trinoma store, we are very excited to bring even more shoppers home and lifestyle essentials designed to match every lifestyle.”

Anko is part of the Kmart Group under Wesfarmers Ltd., one of Australia’s leading companies.


For more information and updates on Anko, follow @anko_philippines on Instagram.

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