{"id":7555,"date":"2025-11-07T16:49:37","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T16:49:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=7555"},"modified":"2025-11-07T16:49:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T16:49:37","slug":"who-unveils-six-new-target-product-profiles-to-boost-child-friendly-cancer-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=7555","title":{"rendered":"WHO Unveils Six New Target Product Profiles to Boost Child-Friendly Cancer Treatments.\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

WHO Unveils Six New Target Product Profiles to Boost Child-Friendly Cancer Treatments.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Launch marks major step toward equitable access to paediatric cancer medicines worldwide.\u00a0<\/em><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Geneva:<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released six new Target Product Profiles (TPPs)<\/em> for child-friendly formulations of essential cancer medicines, offering pharmaceutical manufacturers a clear and technical roadmap to develop optimized, age-appropriate treatments for children living with cancer across the globe.<\/p>\n

Each year, an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer. Yet, while survival rates in high-income countries exceed 80%, they remain below 30% in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). One of the critical barriers is the lack of suitable, age-appropriate cancer medicines. Many children must rely on adult formulations that are difficult to administer, often leading to inaccurate dosing and increased risk of treatment-related complications.<\/p>\n

The newly published WHO guidance \u2014 \u201cAccelerating the Development of Priority Formulations in Childhood Cancer\u201d<\/em> \u2014 defines TPPs with both optimal and minimum standards for child-appropriate versions of six essential cancer drugs: cyclophosphamide, etoposide, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, procarbazine,<\/strong> and temozolomide.<\/strong><\/p>\n

These TPPs were developed through WHO\u2019s standard consultation process, including a global expert meeting held virtually in December 2024, under the umbrella of the Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations Network (GAP-f)<\/strong>. The process drew upon extensive collaboration with partners such as St. Jude Children\u2019s Research Hospital<\/strong>, the European Paediatric Formulation Initiative (EuPFI)<\/strong>, and the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Following a public consultation in spring 2025 \u2014 which included input from paediatric oncologists, pharmacists, scientists, and product developers \u2014 WHO finalized the six TPPs. Together, they provide a practical blueprint for manufacturers, outlining the ideal characteristics for new, child-friendly formulations to improve safety, dosing accuracy, and acceptability.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery child with cancer deserves medicines that are safe, effective, and suitable for their age,\u201d said Dr. Martina Penazzato<\/strong>, GAP-f lead in WHO\u2019s Science for Health Division. \u201cThe work of WHO and its GAP-f partners on these TPPs serves as a reminder of the urgent need for investment and innovation in paediatric oncology drug development \u2014 a field that still trails adult oncology by nearly a decade.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Key Priorities for Manufacturers<\/h3>\n

The TPPs urge developers to focus on several essential criteria for paediatric cancer medicines:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Flexible, child-friendly dosage forms<\/strong> such as dispersible or orodispersible tablets, minitablets, or multiparticulates;<\/li>\n
  • Stability in hot and humid climates<\/strong>, ensuring a shelf-life of at least 24 months;<\/li>\n
  • Palatable formulations<\/strong> with acceptable taste, verified through validated testing;<\/li>\n
  • Clear caregiver instructions<\/strong> for safe handling and administration, especially in low-literacy settings; and<\/li>\n
  • Affordable and sustainable production<\/strong> to ensure accessibility in LMICs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The new TPPs also lay the groundwork for future inclusion of these optimized formulations in WHO\u2019s Prequalification Expression of Interest list<\/strong> and, eventually, in the Model List of Essential Medicines for Children<\/strong>, once suitable formulations are developed.<\/p>\n

    Building Momentum: Upcoming GAP-f Dialogue<\/h3>\n

    To sustain this momentum, WHO\u2019s GAP-f network is inviting private-sector innovators and manufacturers to participate in the 2025 GAP-f Private Sector Entities Dialogue<\/strong>, scheduled for 11 November 2025<\/strong>. The virtual event, held in collaboration with the Access to Medicine Foundation<\/strong>, will provide a platform to explore technical solutions, shared challenges, and partnership opportunities aimed at accelerating paediatric formulation development and access.<\/p>\n

    Agenda highlights include discussions on strengthening collaboration between industry and public health partners, aligning with the GAP-f 2025\u20132030 Strategy<\/strong>, and a dedicated thematic session on childhood cancer<\/strong> focusing on identifying remaining gaps and joint solutions.<\/p>\n

    By setting clear scientific and technical targets, WHO\u2019s new TPPs mark a pivotal advance in global efforts to improve childhood cancer care. The initiative complements the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer<\/strong> and the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines<\/strong>, both designed to ensure equitable access to safe, effective, and age-appropriate cancer treatments for children worldwide.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThis milestone takes us one step closer to ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, can receive the right treatment in the right form,\u201d<\/strong> Dr. Penazzato added.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    WHO Unveils Six New Target Product Profiles to Boost Child-Friendly Cancer Treatments.\u00a0 Launch marks major step toward equitable access to paediatric cancer medicines worldwide.\u00a0   […]<\/p>\n

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