The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), adding treatments for various cancers, type 2 diabetes, and associated comorbidities such as obesity. The update also includes medicines for cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, hemophilia, and other blood-related disorders. These lists, adopted in over 150 countries, guide public sector procurement, reimbursement, and health insurance coverage, ensuring wider access to priority medicines.

Key highlights

Cancer medicines

• WHO added PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors to improve access to immunotherapy.

• Pembrolizumab added for metastatic cervical cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

• Atezolizumab and cemiplimab included as therapeutic alternatives.

• Committee emphasized evidence-based dosing strategies and access improvements in resource-limited settings.

Diabetes and obesity treatments

• GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide) and GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist (tirzepatide) added.

• Recommended for adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²).

• Intended to improve blood sugar control, reduce cardiovascular and kidney risks, support weight loss, and lower early mortality.

Other additions

• Medicines for cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, hemophilia, and other blood disorders also included.

• Provides guidance on prioritizing patients and expanding primary care access, particularly in underserved areas.

Global public health impact

• WHO stresses equitable access, fair pricing, and generic competition to make high-cost therapies affordable.

• The updates aim to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for noncommunicable diseases.

• Prioritizes life-saving and highly effective treatments for broader population impact.

The WHO’s updated Essential Medicines Lists provide clear guidance for countries to expand access to effective cancer and diabetes therapies. Pharmacists and healthcare providers can use these lists to support procurement, patient counseling, and treatment prioritization, ensuring that essential medicines reach those who need them most while improving public health outcomes globally.