WHO updates list of essential medicines to include treatments for cancer, diabetes

With a significant step toward expanding access to new medicines, on Friday the World Health Organisation (WHO) released updated editions of its Essential Medicines List (EML) and Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc) to include new treatments for various types of cancer and for diabetes with associated co-morbidities such as obesity, including “glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists” such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
According to a statement from the global organisation, the update added 20 new medicines to the EML and 15 to the EMLc, and new use indications for seven already-listed products. The updated lists now include a total of 523 essential medicines for adults and 374 for children, reflecting the most pressing public health needs.The revisions mark the 24th edition of EML and the 10th edition of EMLc.
“The new editions of essential medicines lists mark a significant step toward expanding access to new medicines with proven clinical benefits and with high potential for global public health impact,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data, according to the press release.
Medicines for cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, haemophilia and blood-related disorders were among the additions. The WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines reviewed 59 applications, including 31 proposals for the addition of new medicines or medicine classes.
Launched in 1977 largely to promote better access to medicines in developing countries, the WHO Model Lists are a trusted global policy tool for decisions related to the selection and universal coverage of medicines within all health systems.
WHO EML and EMLc include medicines for priority health needs of populations. They are adopted in over 150 countries, serving as a basis for public sector procurement, supply of medicines and health insurance, and reimbursement schemes.

Cancer and diabetes treatments
Cancer treatments have been a major focus of the WHO EML for the past decade.
“With cancer medicines accounting for about half of all new drug approvals by regulatory agencies. The Expert Committee applies rigorous criteria to recommend only those therapies that offer the greatest clinical benefit. As a result, few approved cancer medicines are included – only those proven to prolong life by at least four-six months,” the statement said.
Seven applications encompassing 25 cancer medicines were evaluated.
The Committee also considered several expert-recommended strategies – highlighted in the cancer experts’ report – aimed at improving access to and affordability of cancer treatments. It endorsed evidence-based clinical and health system strategies, including dose optimisation approaches, to improve access.
The Committee emphasised that while health system reforms require time and government action, clinical strategies can be implemented immediately to deliver faster benefits, especially in resource-limited settings.
In the case of diabetes and obesity, the WHO Expert Committee reviewed strong scientific evidence on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
GLP-1 receptor agonists – semaglutide, dulaglutide and liraglutide – and the GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) dual receptor agonist (tirzepatide) have been added to the EML.
“This provides clear guidance to countries on which patients can benefit most from these therapies,” the statement said.
“WHO will continue monitoring developments, support fair pricing strategies, and help countries improve access to these life-changing treatments.”