WHO Updates Essential Medicines Lists with New Treatments for Cancer and Diabetes

Strategic Insights -

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated editions of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), incorporating new treatments for various cancers, diabetes, and other conditions. The revised list features medicines for cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, haemophilia, and other blood-related disorders, as well as treatments for obesity. The updates include notable additions such as triple combination therapy for cystic fibrosis management and GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes and obesity treatment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WHO EML and EMLc have been updated to include new treatments for various cancers, diabetes, and other conditions, serving over 150 countries globally.
  • The revised list features 20 new medicines added to the EML and 15 to the EMLc, with 7 existing medicines receiving new use indications, bringing the total to 523 essential medicines for adults and 374 for children.
  • The update includes triple combination therapy for cystic fibrosis management, GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes and obesity treatment, and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment.
  • Cancer remains the second leading cause of death, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths annually, with cancer medicines being a key focus of the WHO EML for over a decade.
  • The WHO Expert Committee highlighted concerns regarding the high cost of certain diabetes drugs, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, which restrict patient access, and advocated prioritising high-need patients, encouraging generic competition, and extending availability to primary care.
  • Deusdedit Mubangizi, WHO Director of Policy and Standards for Medicines and Health Products, emphasized the importance of equitable access to medicines and the need for coherent health system responses and people-centred initiatives.
  • The commitment also endorsed evidence-based clinical and health system strategies for enhancing access and affordability of cancer treatments, including dose optimisation protocols and wider health system reforms.

Statistics:

  • Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths annually and accounting for almost one-third of premature deaths from non-communicable diseases.
  • The WHO EML and EMLc serve over 150 countries globally, guiding public sector procurement, medicine supply, and health insurance schemes.
  • The updated lists now encompass 523 essential medicines for adults and 374 for children.
  • 20 new medicines were added to the EML, and 15 to the EMLc, with 7 existing medicines receiving new use indications.

Sources:

  • United News of India
  • World Health Organisation (WHO) statement