Universit� degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

In 'The Lancet' an article by Prof. Dominici on the new drug naming system

Prof. Massimo Dominici, Professor of Medical Oncology at theUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia and, as of 1 November, Director of the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children, and Adults, recently published an article in the prestigious journal The Lancet concerning theWHO 's process of simplifying non-proprietary international names for cell- and gene-based drugs.

The article entitled 'New WHO INN for cell-based and gene-based substances: timing, usage, and simplicity' is an important contribution to the global discussion on the safety and accessibility of new biotech drugs. Prof. Dominici, together with his colleagues Tony Manderson (Australian Regulatory Agency), Ursula Loizides (WHO) and Raffaella Balocco (Coordinator of the INN Group in WHO), and James S. Robertson (Virologist-Immunologist, UK), developed a new approach to the naming of these substances. The main objective is to simplify the names while preserving the scientific accuracy needed to identify the active ingredients.

This publication focuses on the need for closer collaboration between WHO and pharmaceutical companies in the development phase of new drugs, so that designations are defined when products have reached a sufficient stage of clinical maturity. The name of the drugs must accurately reflect the mechanism of action and the characteristics of the product, but it must also be easily usable by doctors and pharmacists worldwide.

Since 2020, Prof. Dominici has been a member of the WHO International INN Committee, which is responsible for defining the names for new drugs. In particular, his field of specialisation concerns cell and gene therapy products, one of the most advanced frontiers of oncology research and beyond. Thanks to his experience, he contributed to the revision of guidelines for the naming of complex drugs, such as those based on genetic modification.

Naming drugs is not just a linguistic exercise, but has important practical implications: a clear and precise name facilitates thecorrect use of the drug, reduces medical errors and ensures better drug surveillance. The simplification process developed by the WHO committee makes it possible to improve safety and efficiency in the use of drugs, especially for complex treatments such as cancer treatments, which require careful administration and continuous vigilance.

“It is a privilege to be able to make a significant impact in defining the biotechnology drugs of the future,” Prof. Massimo Dominici emphasises. "In Latin it was said 'nomen omen', i.e. in the name the essence of the man, the same thing applies to cell and gene therapy products that, laden with curative expectations, must have names that reflect their true therapeutic potential while maintaining a simplicity of use for deeper and safer clinical impact.” 

Categorie: International - english, Notizie_eng