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The World Health Organization (WHO) first announced on Friday (5/9) the inclusion of new generation medicines against diabetes and obesity in its list of essential medicines, updated every two years. Drugs include Semaglutado – Active Principle of popular Nordisk’s popular Ozepic and WeGovy -, Dulagnituide, Liraglutide and Tirzepatida, used in Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro.
These drugs act on the hormone LPG-1, which regulates insulin production and the feeling of satiety. Although they have been developed to treat type 2 diabetes, they showed significant effectiveness in weight loss and are considered a therapeutic revolution, despite limitations.
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According to WHO data, more than 3.7 million people died in 2021 from overweight or obesity -related diseases – a number of more than total deaths, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS added.
High
However, the high cost of these treatments, which may exceed $ 1,000 a month in the United States, limits access, especially in low -income countries. WHO warns of the risk of excluding the most vulnerable populations and advocates the production of generic versions to expand access.
Studies indicate that generic semaglute could be manufactured in India for only $ 4 per month. The end of the patent in countries such as Canada, India and China, scheduled for 2026, can facilitate this process.
In addition to combating diabetes and obesity, medications have also shown benefits in other diseases.
40% less risk of hospitalization
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Jama) revealed that patients with heart problems using these treatments are 40% less risk of hospitalization or early death.
WHO estimates that more than 1 billion people worldwide live with obesity, and over 800 million had diabetes in 2022. The organization also included new cancer drugs on its list of essential medicines.
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