Weight loss drugs absent in WHO's latest essential medicines list; includes heart ‘polypills'

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CNN reported. These lists are widely acknowledged as valuable references for countries' health systems, aiding them in prioritizing effective and affordable medications. Each newly added medicine is regarded by WHO as "essential" in addressing critical public health requirements.

“Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of a population. They are intended to be available in functioning health systems at all times, in appropriate dosage forms, of assured quality and at prices individuals and health systems can afford," the report noted. WHO further noted that the 2023 list of essential medicines now includes medications for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic and potentially life-threatening nervous system disease that impacts approximately 2.8 million individuals worldwide.

The updated guidelines encompass three medications specifically aimed at slowing the progression of MS. Among the medications included in the updated WHO guidelines, rituximab stands out as it is traditionally used for treating certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. However, the guidelines suggest off-label use for multiple sclerosis (MS) due to compelling evidence of its effectiveness and safety in treating the condition.

While the WHO rejected the inclusion of certain patented cancer medications due to concerns about their high cost, they did incorporate two cancer treatments into the list. One of these medications targets Kaposi sarcoma, a cancer that causes skin and gastrointestinal tract lesions, while the other focuses on improving white blood cell production and reducing the toxic effects of certain cancer medicines on the bone marrow. Additionally, the updated guidelines introduce ceftolozane