The World Health Organization has undertaken a review of the Essential Medicines Lists (EML) that all countries must provide to their adult and pediatric citizens, now including the three iron chelation drugs used for the treatment of patients with thalassemia. This decision marks a significant milestone in the global effort to improve access to critical pharmacological alternatives for the effective management of this condition.
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that requires lifelong management, including regular iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload, a potentially life-threatening complication.
Until recently, the WHO recommended only the active ingredient deferasirox for the treatment of chronic iron overload in the essential medicines lists, limiting patients’ access to other essential therapeutic options.
However, since 2019, the International Thalassemia Federation (ITF) has made vigorous efforts for the inclusion of two other approved iron chelation therapies, deferoxamine and deferiprone, in the relevant lists, recognizing the importance of providing global access to a comprehensive range of alternative solutions for physicians and patients.
The ITF welcomes the decision of the WHO, with which it has maintained official relations since 1996, to include the aforementioned drugs in the essential medicines lists. Their inclusion is a direct result of collective efforts and collaboration between the Federation and the Organization. This specific development is expected to have an immediate positive impact, enhancing the standard of care for thalassemia management worldwide and providing hope for millions of individuals living with this challenging condition, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to basic medical care for thalassemia patients is often a challenge.
Dr. Androulla Eleftheriou, Executive Director of ITF, expressed her gratitude to WHO for considering the Federation’s recommendations. “This decision aligns with our vision of ensuring equal access to essential medications for all individuals suffering from thalassemia,” she stated. “Now, physicians worldwide can confidently prescribe the most suitable iron chelation agents based on their patients’ specific needs, optimizing the outcomes of their treatment.
For over 40 years, countries around the world have relied on WHO’s essential medicines lists, which are reviewed biennially, for the development and updating of national pharmaceutical catalogs. These lists serve as well-documented guides for the most significant medications that address the primary healthcare needs of populations across the planet.
The 2023 editions also include essential new drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, cancer, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular conditions, among others.
Established in Cyprus since 1986, with a presence in over 62 countries globally, the International Thalassemia Federation remains committed to promoting research, awareness, and global cooperation for the benefit of individuals afflicted by thalassemia and other hemoglobin disorders. This significant achievement stands as evidence of the ongoing efforts of healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, and the entire medical community.
Source: nomisma
