WHO Releases List Of New Medicines For Infectious Diseases; Check Notable Additions

New Delhi: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released the 23rd edition of Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and 9th edition of Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc).

The updated lists include new medicines aimed at treating different health conditions including multiple sclerosis, cancer, infectious diseases and cardiovascular conditions.

Among notable additions are three medications designed to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis — a chronic nervous system disease affecting 2.8 million people globally.

Rituximab is typically used to treat certain cancers and autoimmune diseases but has been recommended for off-label use in treating multiple sclerosis due to proven efficacy and safety.

The guidelines also recommend ‘polypills’ – a combination of medicines that lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, regulate heartbeat, and sometimes include aspirin — for treatment of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.

Obesity medications have not been added to the list, despite requests from US researchers.

The WHO committee rejected the application citing the compounds’ “uncertain long-term clinical benefit and safety in this patient population.”

There were 31 other applications which were not recommended.

EML and EMLc are internationally recognised guides that help countries prioritise effective and affordable medications.

Check out the lists at — https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2023.02 and https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2023.03.

The lists are updated every two years by WHO. The July 2023 editions have taken the total number of medications on EML and EMLc lists to 502 and 361, respectively.