WHO Updates List of Essential Medicines to Include Key Cancer, Diabetes Treatments

Strategic Insights -

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated editions of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), adding new treatments for various types of cancer and for diabetes with associated comorbidities such as obesity. 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 WHO EML and 10th edition of EMLc.

Key Takeaways:

  • 20 new medicines were added to the EML and 15 to the EMLc, along with new use indications for seven already-listed products.
  • Seven cancer medicines, including pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, and cemiplimab, were added to the EML for various types of cancer, including metastatic cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Three GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide) and a GLP-1/GLP dual receptor agonist (tirzepatide) were added to the EML for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with established cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease and obesity.
  • The Expert Committee reviewed 59 applications, evaluating the scientific evidence on each medicine's effectiveness, safety, comparative cost, and overall cost-effectiveness to inform its recommendations.
  • The updated lists include a strong focus on improving access to and affordability of cancer treatments, including dose optimization approaches and strategies to reduce inequities in cancer care.
  • The WHO Expert Committee emphasized the importance of prioritizing patients who would benefit most from these therapies, encouraging generic competition to drive down prices, and making these treatments available in primary care, especially in underserved areas.

Statistics:

  • 723 new medicines were reviewed by the WHO Expert Committee, including 31 proposals for the addition of new medicines or medicine classes.
  • 20 new medicines were added to the EML and 15 to the EMLc, along with 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.
  • 800 million people worldwide live with diabetes, with half going untreated.
  • 1 billion people are affected by obesity, with rates rising especially fast in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, claiming nearly 10 million lives each year and responsible for almost one in three premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases.

Sources:

  • WHO Updates List of Essential Medicines to Include Key Cancer, Diabetes Treatments (PAHO, 8 September 2025)
  • WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines (WHO, 2025)
  • Original text: https://www.paho.org/en/news/8-9-2025-who-updates-list-essential-medicines-include-key-cancer-diabetes-treatments