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The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the 23rd edition of the Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and the 9th edition of the Model Lists of Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc).
These updated lists, which will be released in July 2023, will feature considerable additions of new drugs aimed at treating a wide range of health issues such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular conditions.
OUT TODAY: New editions of the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines and Essential Medicines for Children which include important new medicines for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, cancer, infectious diseases and cardiovascular conditions, among others… pic.twitter.com/RZYdgc0i65
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 26, 2023
The EML and EMLc are widely recognized guidelines that help health-care systems prioritize effective and economical drugs.
The WHO updates these lists every two years, with the most recent editions adding 502 and 361 drugs to the EML and EMLc, respectively.
Three drugs meant to decrease the progression of multiple sclerosis, a chronic nervous system illness that affects 2.8 million people worldwide, have been added to the list for 2023.
Rituximab, one of these medications, is generally used to treat certain malignancies and autoimmune illnesses but has been suggested for off-label usage in treating MS due to its demonstrated efficacy and safety.
For the first time, the guidelines also prescribe “polypills” to treat heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. Polypills are a combination of medicines that lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, regulate heartbeat, and sometimes include aspirin.
Research indicates that they can reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems by almost 40 per cent.
Despite requests from researchers in the United States, obesity medications were not added to the list. The WHO committee rejected the application, citing the compounds’ “uncertain long-term clinical benefit and safety in this patient population.”
A total of 32 applications were rejected. Risdiplam, a medication used to treat spinal muscular atrophy, was also excluded. Others that did not make the cut included donepezil for the treatment of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease, CAR-T cell therapy for lymphoma, and fast-acting oral transmucosal fentanyl for breakthrough cancer pain.
Source:IT
