WHO Updates Essential Medicines List to Include Key Cancer and Diabetes Treatments, Enhancing Access to Critical Therapies

list of essential
The to guidelines are not provided.

How might the inclusion of drugs like Pembrolizumab on the WHO Essential Medicines List impact national healthcare budgets in LMICs, adn what financing strategies could mitigate potential cost burdens?

WHO Updates Essential Medicines List too Include Key Cancer and Diabetes treatments, Enhancing Access to Critical Therapies

Expanding Access to Life-Saving Medications

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced significant updates to itS Model List of Essential Medicines, prioritizing access to crucial treatments for cancer and diabetes. This revision, a cornerstone of global health strategy, aims to address the rising burden of these noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – notably in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The updated list reflects advancements in medical science and a commitment to equitable healthcare access. Essential medicines lists serve as blueprints for national medicine policies, guiding procurement decisions and ensuring populations have access to the most effective and affordable treatments.

New cancer Treatments Added to the List

Several key cancer therapies have been incorporated, focusing on improved treatment outcomes and reduced side effects. these additions include:

Pembrolizumab (keytruda): An immunotherapy drug for various cancers,including melanoma,lung cancer,and Hodgkin lymphoma. Its inclusion signifies a shift towards more advanced cancer treatments being considered essential.

Trastuzumab: A targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

Pertuzumab: Often used in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy for HER2-positive breast cancer, offering enhanced efficacy.

Daratumumab: Used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, providing a new option for patients with limited treatment choices.

Carfilzomib: Another treatment for multiple myeloma, offering a different mechanism of action and potential benefits for patients who have relapsed.

These additions represent a significant step forward in making cutting-edge cancer care more accessible globally. Cancer treatment costs and availability remain major barriers, and the WHO’s list aims to influence pricing and procurement strategies.

Advancements in Diabetes Management

The updated list also features crucial updates for diabetes care,addressing the growing global diabetes epidemic. Key additions and changes include:

Insulin Glargine (Basaglar, Lantus): A long-acting insulin analogue, providing more stable blood sugar control and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Dapagliflozin: A sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor,offering benefits beyond glucose control,including cardiovascular and renal protection.

Empagliflozin: Another SGLT2 inhibitor with similar benefits to dapagliflozin, providing more treatment options for patients.

Metformin: Remains a cornerstone of type 2 diabetes treatment, but the list emphasizes the importance of affordable, quality-assured formulations.

These updates acknowledge the evolving understanding of diabetes management, moving beyond solely glucose control to address associated complications. Diabetes medications, particularly newer agents, can be expensive, making the WHO’s list crucial for advocating for affordability.

The Impact on Low- and Middle-Income Countries

The WHO’s Essential Medicines List plays a particularly vital role in LMICs. These countries often face significant challenges in accessing essential medicines due to:

High Costs: Brand-name medications can be prohibitively expensive.

Supply Chain Issues: Reliable supply chains are often lacking, leading to stockouts and shortages.

Limited Healthcare Infrastructure: Adequate healthcare facilities and trained personnel may be scarce.

Regulatory Hurdles: Complex and lengthy registration processes can delay access to new medicines.

By including these cancer and diabetes treatments on the list, the WHO encourages countries to prioritize their procurement, negotiate lower prices with pharmaceutical companies, and streamline regulatory processes. Generic availability of these medications is also a key factor in increasing access.

Benefits of the Updated List

The benefits of these updates extend beyond simply adding new drugs. They include:

Improved Patient Outcomes: Access to effective treatments leads to better health outcomes and increased survival rates.

Reduced Health disparities: Equitable access to essential medicines helps to reduce health disparities between countries and within populations.

Strengthened Healthcare Systems: Prioritizing essential medicines strengthens healthcare systems and improves their capacity to deliver quality care.

Economic Benefits: Investing in healthcare and preventing chronic diseases can lead to economic benefits through increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs in the long run.

Guidance for National Policies: The list provides a framework for national medicine policies, ensuring that countries prioritize the most essential and cost-effective treatments.

Real-World examples & Initiatives

Several initiatives are already underway to improve access to cancer and diabetes medicines in LMICs. For example:

The Access to Medicines Foundation: Works to promote access to medicines for neglected diseases and chronic conditions.

The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI): Negotiates lower prices for essential medicines and strengthens healthcare systems in developing countries.

Pooled Procurement Mechanisms: Countries collaborate to purchase medicines collectively, leveraging their bargaining power to secure lower prices.

Local Production of Generics: Supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing can increase access to affordable medicines and reduce reliance on imports.

Practical Tips for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in advocating for access to