WHO Adds Diabetes, Cancer & Cystic Fibrosis Drugs to Essential Medicines List
The World Health Institution (WHO) has expanded its list of essential medicines to include treatments for type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and cystic fibrosis, a move intended to improve global access to these frequently enough-expensive therapies. The inclusion of drugs on the list has historically lead to increased availability, notably in lower-income countries, mirroring the impact seen with HIV medications in the early 2000s.
Now encompassing 523 drugs for adults and 374 for children, the essential medicines list identifies treatments deemed vital for all functioning healthcare systems.Dr. Lorenzo Moja, who leads the WHO secretariat overseeing the list, emphasized that the committee prioritizes access over initial cost, viewing inclusion as a potential driver for wider availability.
the newly added medications include active ingredients found in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, approved for treating type 2 diabetes in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity. While these drugs have gained significant attention for their weight-loss effects under different brand names,the WHO has not yet included them specifically for obesity treatment,maintaining its stance from 2023.
The WHO committee clarified that the decision focuses on identifying patients who would benefit most from these therapies. Recognizing the barrier posed by high drug prices – specifically mentioning semaglutide and tirzepatide – the organization is encouraging generic manufacturers to begin production as patents are set to expire next year.
both Novo nordisk and Eli Lilly have publicly stated their commitment to expanding access to their treatments. Eli Lilly further noted that generic versions of these drugs “may be better candidates to meet patient needs and offer cost savings in lower resource settings.”
The WHO reports that over 800 million people globally were living with diabetes in 2022, and more than 1 billion are affected by obesity. Internal WHO guidance is also expected to recommend these drugs for obesity treatment in the future.
Beyond these diabetes medications, the list also incorporates Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ combination therapy, Trikafta/Kaftrio, for cystic fibrosis, and Merck’s cancer immunotherapy drug, Keytruda, for metastatic cervical, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers. While Trikafta’s price has drawn criticism from activists, Vertex declined to comment on its inclusion. Merck affirmed its dedication to reaching patients in need.
The updated list also includes rapid-acting insulin analogues from multiple manufacturers, addressing type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, and reinforcing the WHO’s ongoing efforts to improve access to essential treatments worldwide.(With Reuters inputs)