Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently updated its Essential Medicines List (EML) by including new-generation drugs for obesity treatment. This addition comes alongside the inclusion of several cancer medications, highlighting WHO’s commitment to addressing global health challenges.
Who is the WHO and Why is it Relevant?
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 1948, WHO sets global health standards, provides technical assistance to countries, and coordinates responses to health emergencies. Its Essential Medicines List is a critical tool for ensuring access to quality medicines worldwide.
New-Generation Obesity Drugs on the EML
The new additions to the WHO’s Essential Medicines List include several new-generation drugs for obesity treatment. These medications are designed to help manage weight and improve metabolic health in individuals struggling with obesity. The inclusion of these drugs on the EML signifies their importance in addressing a growing global health concern.
Key New-Generation Obesity Drugs Added
- Semaglutide: A glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics the functions of the hormone GLP-1 in the body, promoting weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing gastric emptying.
- Liraglutide: Another GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide has been approved for chronic weight management and is now included in the WHO’s EML.
- Teprotumumab: A monoclonal antibody that targets and inhibits the activation of fibroblasts, which play a role in the development of obesity-related complications such as thyroid dysfunction.
Impact on Global Health
The addition of these new-generation obesity drugs to the WHO’s Essential Medicines List is expected to have a significant impact on global health. By making these medications more accessible, the WHO aims to improve obesity management and support countries in their efforts to combat this growing epidemic.
Obesity is a major global health issue, with more than 650 million adults affected worldwide. It increases the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Effective obesity management is crucial for improving overall health and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Cancer Medications Also Added to the EML
Alongside the new obesity drugs, the WHO has also included several cancer medications in its updated Essential Medicines List. These additions reflect WHO’s dedication to improving cancer care and treatment access in low- and middle-income countries.
Key Cancer Medications Added:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, which have shown significant success in treating various cancers.
- Targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib and regorafenib, used to treat specific types of cancer.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the WHO’s Essential Medicines List? The WHO’s Essential Medicines List is a curated selection of medications considered to be the most efficacious and cost-effective for a country’s health needs.
- Why are new obesity drugs added to the EML? The addition of new-generation obesity drugs to the EML aims to improve access to effective weight management treatments and support countries in addressing the global obesity epidemic.
- Which cancer medications have been added to the EML? Immune checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) and targeted therapies (imatinib, regorafenib) have been included in the updated EML to enhance cancer care and treatment access.
