In a move that could reshape global diabetes treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially added GLP-1 receptor agonists—the drug class behind blockbuster names like Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro (Eli Lilly)—to its Essential Medicines List (EML) for type 2 diabetes.
The updated list now includes 523 medicines for adults and 374 for children, serving as a blueprint for what the WHO believes every functioning health system should make accessible.
Why This Decision Matters
The WHO’s EML is more than just a catalogue—it’s a signal to governments and health systems worldwide. Past inclusions, like HIV medicines in the early 2000s, triggered international negotiations, price cuts, and widespread distribution in lower-income countries.
By adding GLP-1s for type 2 diabetes (with cardiovascular or kidney complications, or obesity), WHO hopes to break down the barriers of cost and supply that have long restricted access.
Dr. Lorenzo Moja, head of the WHO committee, emphasized:
“Rather than letting price be a disqualifying factor, the committee views inclusion in the essential medicines list as a potential catalyst for access.”
Not Approved for Obesity Alone (Yet)
Despite their skyrocketing popularity as weight-loss treatments, WHO has stopped short of listing GLP-1s for obesity alone. The committee stated that this narrower recommendation ensures the drugs are prioritized for patients who need them most—particularly those with diabetes and related complications.
That said, WHO previously signaled that a separate recommendation for obesity could be considered in the future. With over 1 billion people living with obesity globally, that next step could have enormous implications.
The Cost Challenge
While effective, GLP-1s remain very expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars per month. WHO acknowledged that:
- High prices are limiting access, particularly in low-resource settings.
- Patent expirations in the coming years may allow generic versions to drive costs down.
- Companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly say they are “committed to broader access,” but generics may ultimately be the key to real affordability.
Other Major Additions to the WHO List
The GLP-1s weren’t the only high-profile drugs added:
- Cystic Fibrosis drug Trikafta (Kaftrio) – long criticized for being unaffordable, now recognized as essential.
- Keytruda (pembrolizumab) – a leading immunotherapy, added for several cancers including cervical, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers.
- Rapid-acting insulin analogues – to improve care for type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
What This Means for Patients
🌍 Global impact: Countries now have stronger justification to negotiate lower prices and expand coverage.
💊 Generic opportunities: As patents expire, more affordable copies could transform accessibility.
⚖️ Equity focus: The move is designed to prevent GLP-1s from becoming drugs only the wealthy can access.
With over 800 million people worldwide living with diabetes, this decision could be the turning point that brings advanced treatments to millions more.
Final Takeaway
The WHO’s inclusion of GLP-1s on its Essential Medicines List is a milestone for global health equity. While not yet recognized for obesity treatment alone, this step signals a future where life-changing diabetes therapies could become available far beyond wealthy nations.
The big question now: will pharmaceutical companies, governments, and generic manufacturers step up to make it happen?
