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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the world’s leading cause of death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 19.8 million people died from CVDs in 2022, representing about 32% of all global deaths. In addition, more than 75% of CVD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
What are SPCs?
A single-pill combination (SPC), also known as a polypill, brings together multiple active ingredients in a single tablet. Modern SPCs enable flexible dosing of each component and are increasingly used for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Why it matters
By implementing scalable SPCs, countries can improve cardiovascular health and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of a 30% decrease in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030. Notably, evidence from studies such as the TRIUMPH trial and the GMRx2 trial — where Sri Lanka was a major part — contributed to the inclusion of SPCs on the WHO Essential Medicines List (2023) for both primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in adults. These trials demonstrated the efficacy, safety, patient adherence and real-world feasibility of single-pill combination therapies in diverse populations.
This underscores the impact and significance of the research we conduct and the influence it has on global health policy and clinical practice.
See page 41, for the listed SPCs: WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd List (2023)