[e-drug] Final report of the EML 2017 - 20th List - is online (WHO TRS 1006)

E-DRUG: Final report of the EML 2017 - 20th List - is online (WHO TRS 1006)
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Dear e-druggers,

we are pleased to announce the publication of the final report of the 2017
WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines including
the updated WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines - 20th List - as part of the WHO
Technical Report Series (TRS 1006).

http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/trs-1006-2017/en/

TRS 1006 replaces the unedited version of the report that was published on
the 6th June 2017.

Let me highlight some of the new important features:

The report has now a structured format for each medicine evaluated by the
Expert Committee so that (like for structured abstracts in scientific
journals) the reader can go more easily to the most relevant sections like:
benefits and harms, additional evidence, Committee considerations and
finally the Expert Committee recommendations.

The Index is now interactive so that readers can click on each medicine to
directly access each chapter in its full text.

The major updates of the 20th EML were:

   - the new EML AWaRe categorisation of antibiotics (pages 62 to 68):
   Access, Watch and Reserve
   - the comprehensive review of over 20 infectious syndromes and
   recommendations for first and second choice antibiotics.
   - the Expert Committee recommendations to establish three EML Working
   Groups (WG) to prepare the work of the next Expert Committee in 2019: a EML
   WG on antibiotics (*to expand the 2017 reviews into full guidance, and
   to define optimal dosages and duration of treatment* ); a EML WG on
   cancer medicines (*to **coordinate comprehensive evaluation of available
   treatment options, across treatment lines and including recently approved
   medicines*); and one on timely and full access to clinical trial data.
   - the addition of new medicines to the Model Lists in the priority WHO
   programme areas of HIV, Hepatitis C, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected
   tropical diseases and reproductive health.

Hard copies of TRS 1006 may be ordered from WHO Press via
http://apps.who.int/bookorders .

Comments can be sent to the EML Secretariat at emlsecretariat@who.int

Best regards

Nicola Magrini, MD

Nicola Magrini, MD
Scientist
Secretary of the Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential
Medicines Innovation, Access and Use (IAU)
Essential Medicines and Health Products (EMP)
Health Systems and Innovation (HIS)
World Health Organization
Geneva, Switzerland
Magrinin@who.int