WHO Adds Weight-Loss, Cancer, Diabetes Drugs to Global Essential Medicines List

The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its 2025 Essential Medicines Lists (EML and EMLc) to include popular anti-obesity and diabetes drugs such as semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), alongside new cancer treatments and medicines for cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, and blood disorders. These glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are added specifically for treating type 2 diabetes with associated conditions like cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity, but not for obesity alone, providing clearer guidance on patient eligibility. The WHO emphasized the importance of encouraging production of affordable generic versions to improve access, especially in developing countries, as high prices currently limit availability despite a global diabetes population exceeding 800 million and over one billion people affected by obesity. The list now comprises 523 medicines for adults and 374 for children, serving as a global policy guide adopted by over 150 countries for procurement and reimbursement decisions. The addition of rapid-acting insulin analogues complements earlier inclusions of longer-acting synthetic insulins, rounding out recommended insulin treatments. WHO officials highlighted the update as a significant step to expand access to clinically beneficial medicines with high potential for global health impact.