E-DRUG: new WHO Essential medicines list 2021 online!
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[forwarded from QUAMED news message]
Dear Friends,
Today, I would like to share the weblink to the new Essential Medicines List of the WHO:
WHO prioritizes access to diabetes and cancer treatments in new Essential Medicines Lists
(https://www.who.int/news/item/01-10-2021-who-prioritizes-access-to-diabetes-and-cancer-treatments-in-new-essential-medicines-lists)
When you open it, you will find on the right part of your screen the specific links to:
the Executive summary of the Selection Committee (https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/345554/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2021.01-eng.pdf);
the World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 22nd list (2021) for adults
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/345533/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2021.02-eng.pdf
the World Health Organization model list of essential medicines for children: 8th list (2021)
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/345534/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2021.03-eng.pdf
the new AWaRE classification of antibiotics
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/345555/WHO-HMP-HPS-EML-2021.04-eng.xlsx
The lists include, compared to the previous versions of 2019, new treatments for various cancers, such as Enzalutamide for prostate cancer; Everolimus, for a type of brain tumour in children; Ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; and Rasburicase, for tumour lysis syndrome; while the listing for imatinib was extended to include targeted treatment of leukaemia; and new childhood cancer indications were added for 16 medicines already listed, including for low-grade glioma. Other new medicines listed include cefiderocol, a "Reserve" group antibiotic; bupropion and varenicline as nicotine-replacement therapy; and new formulations of medicines for common bacterial infections, hepatitis C, HIV and tuberculosis. Importantly, an additional 81 antibiotics were classified as Access, Watch or Reserve under the AWaRE framework, to support antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance of antibiotic use worldwide.
Please note even if essential medicines should be available in quality-assured formulations and affordable for all, high prices for some new patented medicines and for some older medicines like insulin, continue to keep them out of reach for many patients and health systems. This year, the Committee underscored the urgent need to take action to promote equitable and affordable access to essential medicines through the list and complementary measures such as voluntary licensing mechanisms, pooled procurement, and price negotiation.
regards
Raffaella Ravinetto
rravinetto@itg.be