WHO Updates Essential Medicines Lists to Improve Global Access to Treatments

Strategic Insights -

The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its Essential Medicines Lists (EML) and Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc), adding new treatments for cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cystic fibrosis. The updates are guided by the 25th WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines, which met in Geneva from May 5 to 9, 2025. The new lists feature 20 new medications for adults and 15 for children, along with seven new uses for already-listed medicines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 24th EML and 10th EMLc include new cancer treatments such as PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors, which can help prolong life in certain cancer patients.
  • Cancer immunotherapies, including Merck's Keytruda, are expected to improve survival for patients worldwide.
  • The WHO has added GLP-1 receptor agonists, including dulaglutide, semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, for adults with type 2 diabetes who also have cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2).
  • Rapid-acting insulin analogues have been added to treat type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
  • The combination therapy Trikafta (Kaftrio) from Vertex Pharmaceuticals has been added for cystic fibrosis.
  • The updates aim to expand access to new medicines, especially in low- and middle-income countries, by promoting generic production and lowering prices.
  • Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access, and Data, stated that the updates mark a significant step towards expanding access to new medicines with proven clinical benefits.

Statistics:

  • The updated EML and EMLc include 523 adult and 374 pediatric medications to ensure patients worldwide have access to essential treatments for serious and chronic conditions.
  • The new lists feature 20 new medications for adults and 15 for children, along with seven new uses for already-listed medicines.
  • The updates aim to address both urgent and long-term healthcare needs, offering hope for millions of patients around the world.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines
  • Contify.com
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