WHO Adds Diabetes & Cystic Fibrosis Drugs to Essential Medicines List
- For the first time, the World Health Association (WHO) has added high-cost treatments for type 2 diabetes and cystic fibrosis to its Model List of Essential medicines, a...
- Published on May 29, 2024, the updated list includes GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators for cystic fibrosis, signaling a shift...
- First published in 1977, the Model List of Essential Medicines serves as a guide for governments seeking to prioritize healthcare resources and ensure access to the most...
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WHO Adds Diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis Treatments to Essential medicines List
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For the first time, the World Health Association (WHO) has added high-cost treatments for type 2 diabetes and cystic fibrosis to its Model List of Essential medicines, a decision poised to improve access to critical drugs in low- and middle-income countries.
Published on May 29, 2024, the updated list includes GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators for cystic fibrosis, signaling a shift towards recognizing the importance of treating chronic, complex conditions globally. The move reflects growing advocacy for equitable access to innovative therapies.
The essential Medicines List: A Global Benchmark
First published in 1977, the Model List of Essential Medicines serves as a guide for governments seeking to prioritize healthcare resources and ensure access to the most effective and safe medicines. It’s used to improve supply chains and control costs, and its adoption has been linked to increased access to vital treatments, notably for HIV/AIDS in the early 2000s. As of May 2024, the list encompasses 523 essential medicines for adults and 374 for children.
The list is updated periodically by an expert committee based on evidence of efficacy, safety, and public health relevance. The WHO emphasizes that the list is a *dynamic* document, adapting to new medical advancements and changing global health needs.
New Additions: Diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis Treatments
the latest update includes two prominent drugs for type 2 diabetes: Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide). Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications that have demonstrated notable efficacy in managing blood sugar, promoting weight loss, and reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes and related conditions.
The WHO added these drugs for use in conjunction with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity, recognizing the interconnectedness of these health issues. The inclusion of GLP-1s is particularly noteworthy given their relatively high cost, signaling a commitment to making these innovative therapies more accessible.
For cystic fibrosis,the list now includes CFTR modulators,such as elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (Trikafta), which address the underlying genetic defect in many people with cystic fibrosis. These drugs have dramatically improved the quality of life and life expectancy for eligible patients, but their high price has historically limited access in many parts of the world.
Impact and Challenges
Patient advocacy groups have lauded the WHO’s decision, expressing hope that it will encourage countries to prioritize the inclusion of these medicines in their national formularies and negotiate lower prices. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, for example, has long campaigned for global access to CFTR modulators.
However, significant challenges remain. The high cost of these drugs will likely be a major barrier to access in many low- and middle-income countries. Effective implementation will require robust supply chains,trained healthcare professionals,and enduring financing mechanisms. Furthermore, diagnostic capabilities for both type 2 diabetes