World Health Organisation releases updated edition of Model Lists of Essential Medicines
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MGN002
Category: News | Pharmacology
Category Tags: Essential Medicines List, EML, EMLc
Source: WHO Press Release 26 July 23
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated editions of the Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), which include important new medicines for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and other health issues. The aim of these updates is to increase access to innovative medicines that demonstrate clear clinical benefits, especially in low- and middle-income countries, without straining their health budgets.
The 2023 update resulted from considering 85 applications, encompassing over a hundred medicines and formulations, by the WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines. As a result, the total number of medicines on the EML and EMLc has increased to 502 and 361, respectively.
Notable updates in the lists include:
Medicines for Multiple Sclerosis: Three medicines—cladribine, glatiramer acetate, and rituximab—have been added to the EML, providing essential treatment options for multiple sclerosis, a chronic and debilitating nervous system disease affecting millions globally.
Cardiovascular Medicines: For the first time, fixed-dose combinations of multiple medicines, known as 'polypills,' for heart and blood vessel disease prevention, including cholesterol-lowering agents and blood pressure medications, have been included in the EML.
Infectious Diseases: New medicines listed for infectious diseases include antibiotics effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria, a treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis, a therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection, and monoclonal antibodies for Ebola virus disease.
Cancer Medicines: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and pegfilgrastim have been added to treat Kaposi sarcoma and stimulate white blood cell production while reducing toxic effects of certain cancer medicines. Indications for several cancer medicines for children have also been expanded.
Other Updates: The lists now include more convenient delivery systems for diabetes treatment and additional medicines for mental health disorders. Essential medicines for children have also been updated, including ready-to-use therapeutic food for severe acute malnutrition in young children.
However, there were 32 applications not recommended for inclusion in the lists, including treatments for obesity, spinal muscular atrophy, dementia, lymphoma, and breakthrough cancer pain.
The WHO EML is a critical tool for achieving universal health coverage and providing guidance on the best value medicines for individuals and communities, based on evidence for safety and efficacy. The updated lists aim to improve global health outcomes and equitable access to essential medicines.
Access the Essential Drug Lists
Essential Drug List for Adults (EML)
Essential Drug List for Peadiatrics (EMLc)
Access the Original Press Release
WHO endorses landmark public health decisions on Essential Medicines for Multiple Sclerosis
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