Drugs that combat obesity could for the first time be included on the World Health Organization's 'essential medicines list,' used to guide government purchasing decisions in low- and middle-income countries, the U.N. agency told Reuters.
LONDON, March 29 - Drugs that combat obesity could for the first time be included on the World Health Organization's "essential medicines list," used to guide government purchasing decisions in low- and middle-income countries, the U.N. agency told Reuters.
It could also pave the way for a newer, more powerful treatment from Novo Nordisk called Wegovy to be recommended for low- and middle-income countries in future. The WHO said the expert panel would consider the evidence for liraglutide over the coming months. They may also seek a broader evaluation of other types of weight-loss treatments in the future.
They argue that while the list includes mineral supplements for nutritional deficiencies, the lack of weight-loss treatments represents a "discrepancy" in global health equity, given the increasing number of deaths in poorer nations hastened by weight-related illness, including heart disease and diabetes.
The Danish drugmaker in a statement said it was not involved in the application to consider liraglutide for inclusion on the WHO list, adding, "we welcome the WHO review and look forward to the readout and decision."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WSJ News Exclusive | Congress Moves to Add ‘Tranq’ to Controlled-Drugs ListCongress is moving to add xylazine, also known as “tranq,” to a list of controlled substances. The drug is approved for use in animals, but dealers have been adding it to the fentanyl supply.
Read more »
Guinness World Records names The Weeknd the world's most popular artistThe Weeknd has been declared the most popular musician on the planet, according to statistics collected by Guinness World Records. ...
Read more »
World economy may be entering 'lost decade' of growth: World BankMarkets may be entering a 'lost decade' for global economic growth amid financial instability and high inflation, World Bank says
Read more »
Police: Stolen gun, drugs seized during Akron traffic stopPolice in Akron seized a stolen gun and drugs from a car during a traffic stop Saturday.
Read more »
Brennan High School student arrested after weapon, drugs foundA Brennan High School student was arrested Monday after a weapon was found in his vehicle and drugs were found in his possession.
Read more »
Correctional officer arrested for smuggling drugs into private prison in Karnes CountyA correctional officer for a private prison in Karnes County was arrested Friday in connection with smuggling contraband and narcotics into the facility, the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas said.
Read more »