A €6 million government investment will expand access to a modern heart failure treatment aimed at improving patients’ quality of life and reducing hospital admissions linked to the condition.

Around 4,000 patients are set to benefit from extended access to Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan), which will be more widely available within the Government formulary as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the management of chronic heart disease in Malta.

Heart failure is a long-term condition affecting thousands of people and placing a significant burden on both patients and the healthcare system. It can lead to reduced quality of life, limitations in daily activity, and frequent hospital admissions.

In recent years, advances in medical treatment have introduced more effective therapies aimed at improving symptoms, slowing disease progression, and reducing the likelihood of hospitalisation.

Entresto is one of these therapies and is already widely used internationally. It is indicated for adults, adolescents, and children from one year of age living with chronic heart failure. The medicine is available in three different dosages, allowing treatment to be tailored to individual patient needs.

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the investment builds on recent introductions of innovative medicines, including empagliflozin (Jardiance), and reflects a broader strategy to place patients at the centre of healthcare delivery through evidence-based treatment options.

He said implementation will begin gradually in the coming days and will be closely monitored to ensure continuity of care. The rollout will follow structured criteria under the National Formulary, including clear eligibility and prescribing protocols designed to ensure safe, fair, and effective use.

The procurement process is currently in its final stages.

Dr Abela said the investment is intended to give patients living with heart conditions better quality of life, while also easing pressure on hospital services through more effective treatment.