New Delhi, Sept 6 (UNI) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has unveiled the updated editions of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), incorporating vital new treatments for several cancers and diabetes, particularly addressing associated conditions such as obesity.
The revised list also features medicines for cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, haemophilia, and other blood-related disorders, according to a statement here by the global body.
Among the notable additions is the triple combination therapy elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI), aimed at cystic fibrosis management. The update includes GLP-1 receptor agonists — semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide — alongside tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist, for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors, which enhance the immune system’s ability to target cancer cells, have been incorporated.
Pembrolizumab has been added as a first-line monotherapy for metastatic cervical, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers, with atezolizumab and cemiplimab recognised as therapeutic alternatives for the latter, the WHO noted.
Cancer remains the world’s second leading cause of death, responsible for nearly 10 million deaths annually and accounting for almost one-third of premature deaths from non-communicable diseases. For over a decade, cancer medicines have been a key focus of the WHO EML.
The WHO EML and EMLc, serving over 150 countries, guide public sector procurement, medicine supply, and health insurance schemes globally. This release marks the 24th edition of the EML and the 10th of the EMLc, said the statement.
Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data, described the update as a significant advancement in broadening access to medicines with proven clinical efficacy and substantial global public health impact.
The WHO Expert Committee, responsible for the review had examined 59 applications—including 31 proposals for new medicines or classes—leading to the addition of 20 new medicines to the EML and 15 to the EMLc. Seven existing medicines also received new use indications. The updated lists now encompass 523 essential medicines for adults and 374 for children.
However, the committee highlighted concerns regarding the high cost of certain diabetes drugs, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, which restrict patient access. It advocated prioritising high-need patients, encouraging generic competition, and extending availability to primary care, especially in underserved regions, to improve health outcomes.
Deusdedit Mubangizi, WHO Director of Policy and Standards for Medicines and Health Products, underscored that medicines constitute a significant portion of out-of-pocket expenses for noncommunicable diseases, even for those classified as essential and ideally affordable for all.
“Equitable access demands coherent health system responses backed by political commitment, multisectoral cooperation, and people-centred initiatives,” he said as per the statement.
The committee also endorsed evidence-based clinical and health system strategies from cancer experts aimed at enhancing access and affordability of cancer treatments. These include dose optimisation protocols to deliver faster benefits, particularly in resource-limited settings, although wider health system reforms require longer-term government action.
The Expert Committee, said the statement, exercised rigorous criteria, approving only those cancer therapies that extend life by at least four to six months, following evaluations of 25 cancer medicines across seven applications.
