- The first version of the list prepared by WHO specialists was published in 2017.
- The most recent edition includes Covid-19, Crimean-Cong hemorrhagic fever, Ebola virus disease, and Marburg virus disease, among others.
- “Disease X” also appears to indicate an unknown pathogen that could cause new severe pandemics, even worse than 2020.
The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated the process to update the list of priority pathogens that may cause outbreaks or future pandemics. The objective is to guide investment, research and development (R&D) at a global level, especially in the development of vaccines, tests and treatments.
The first step was a meeting held on November 18 where the WHO convened more than 300 scientists to consider the evidence of more than 25 families of viruses and bacteria, as well as “Disease X”.
What does it consist of?
In this case, disease X is included to indicate an unknown pathogen that could cause a serious international epidemic, even worse than that caused by Covid-19. Now experts will need to recommend a list of priority pathogens that need further research and investment. The process will include both scientific and public health criteria, as well as those related to socioeconomic impact, access and equity.
Today’s most dangerous
The list was first published in 2017 and the last prioritization exercise was conducted in 2018. The current list includes the Covid-19, Crimean-Cong hemorrhagic fever, Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease. Also Lassa fever, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Nipah and henipaviral diseases, Rift Valley Fever, Zika and Disease X.
“Targeting priority pathogens and virus families for research and development of countermeasures is essential for rapid and effective response to epidemics and pandemics. Without significant investments in R&D prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, it would not have been possible to develop safe and effective vaccines in record time,” said Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme.
Work to prevent serious consequences
For those pathogens identified as priority, the WHO’s R&D plan for epidemics develops R&D roadmaps, which establish knowledge gaps and research priorities. Where relevant, target product profiles are developed, informing developers of the desired specifications for vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tests.
Efforts are also being made to map, compile, and facilitate clinical trials to develop these tools. In addition, complementary efforts are considered, such as strengthen regulatory and ethical oversight.
“This list of priority pathogens has become a reference point for the scientific community on where to focus energies to manage the next threat,” said Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, WHO chief scientist. “It is developed together with experts in the field and is the agreed direction in which we as a global research community need to invest energy and funds to develop tests, treatments and vaccines. We thank our donors like the US government, our partners, and the scientists who work with the WHO to make this possible.”
For now, based on the WHO plan, it is expected that the revised list of pathogens that can cause new pandemics is published in the first quarter of 2023.
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