The Latest Changes in WHO’s Essential Medicine List
According to the latest documets released by the United Nations (UN), medicines used in the treatment of Obesity has not been added to the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicine List. However, drugs used in the treatment Multiple Sclerosis and Ebola have been added to the list. What this list means is that, it refers to the medicines to be available in all healthcare centers throughout the world.
A medicine that is added to the list makes it easier for everyone to access that medicine. For instance, in year 2002 after HIV medicines were added to the list, accession to these drugs in poorer countries were widely available.
A group of American academicians recommended adding obesity drugs to the list for this year. However, according to a WHO official familiar with the matter said that its long-term clinical response and safety was not well known therefore opposed the idea.
Benedikt Huttner, who is the lead of WHO’s Essential Medicine List team, said in a press conference that there were uncertainties associated with the use of obesity drug for a long term period. For instance, you gain weight again just after you stop taking medicines. However, Huttner also said that if there would be a proven results for long term use, it could be considered adding these drugs to the list.
Among the added drugs this year, Cladribine, Glatiramer acetate and Rituximab for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis were observed. Also, Anzuvimab and a trio combination consisting of Atoltivimab, Maftivimab and Odesivimab, that were for the treatment of Ebola disease, were also added to the list as well as Naltreoxone and Acamprosat which are used in the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder took place in the list.
In total, 36 new medicines found their ways to the list, adding up to 361 medicines in total for children and 502 for adults.
Resources:
Rigby, J. (2023, July 26). Obesity drugs don’t make who’s essential list, but ebola, ms drugs added.
Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/obesity-drugs-dont-make-whos-essential-list-ebola-ms-drugs-added-2023-07-26/
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