WHO Updates Essential Medicines List to Include New Cancer and Diabetes Treatments

The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc) to include new treatments for various cancers and type 2 diabetes with associated comorbidities such as obesity. This revision, announced on September 5, 2025, marks the 24th edition of the EML and the 10th edition of the EMLc.

The updated lists now feature 20 new medicines for adults and 15 for children, reflecting the most pressing public health needs. Notably, the inclusion of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for diabetes underscores WHO's commitment to addressing global health challenges.

Established in 1977, the WHO's Model List of Essential Medicines serves as a global policy tool guiding countries in selecting medicines that address priority health needs. Adopted by over 150 countries, it influences public sector procurement, supply of medicines, and health insurance reimbursement schemes. The list is updated biennially to reflect the most pressing public health challenges.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths annually. In the latest EML update, WHO included PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors—a class of immunotherapy drugs that enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells. Specifically, pembrolizumab was added for the treatment of metastatic cervical cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Atezolizumab and cemiplimab were also included as therapeutic alternatives for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. These therapies have demonstrated the ability to prolong life by at least 4-6 months.

With over 800 million people living with diabetes and more than 1 billion affected by obesity worldwide, WHO recognized the urgent need for effective treatments. The updated EML now includes GLP-1 receptor agonists—semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide—as well as the GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) dual receptor agonist tirzepatide. These medications are recommended for adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity (defined as a body mass index of 30 kg/m² or higher). They have been shown to improve blood sugar control, reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications, support weight loss, and lower the risk of early death.

Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data, stated, "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."

The inclusion of these medicines in the EML is a significant step toward expanding access to treatments with proven clinical benefits and substantial potential for global public health impact. However, high prices of medicines like semaglutide and tirzepatide are limiting access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. WHO emphasizes the need for prioritizing those who would benefit most, encouraging generic competition to drive down prices, and making these treatments available in primary care settings, especially in underserved areas.

The addition of these drugs to the EML may influence pharmaceutical companies such as Merck & Co. Inc., Eli Lilly & Co., and Novo Nordisk, which produce some of the newly listed medications. As of September 16, 2025, Merck's stock price is $80.57, Eli Lilly's is $754.11, and Novo Nordisk's is $56.98. The inclusion of their products in the EML could potentially affect their market dynamics and strategies, especially concerning pricing and accessibility in various regions.

The WHO's 2025 update to the Essential Medicines List reflects a continued commitment to addressing global health challenges by incorporating treatments for prevalent conditions like cancer and diabetes. Moving forward, the focus will likely be on implementing strategies to enhance the affordability and availability of these essential medicines, particularly in resource-limited settings.