WHO Expands Essential Drug List to Include Cancer Medications and Diabetes Treatments

World Health Organization has updated its essential medicines list, adding 35 new medications, wiht a important focus on battling cancer and diabetes.">
September 5, 2025

geneva, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) announced today the addition of 35 new medications to its Model List of Essential Medicines, a crucial compendium influencing healthcare access globally. This update prioritizes treatments for a range of conditions, notably including advancements in cancer therapies and vital medications for managing diabetes.

Expanded Access to Cancer Treatments

The expert committee overseeing the list’s revisions has incorporated Pmbrolizumab, Atezolizumab, and Cemiplimab – all used in the treatment of cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers. This decision reflects a growing emphasis on immunotherapy, a treatment approach that empowers the body’s immune system to fight cancerous cells. Additionally, the WHO highlighted the importance of broadening access to PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors, a specific class of immunotherapy drugs.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2024.The inclusion of these drugs on the essential medicines list could significantly impact treatment options in lower and middle-income countries.

Combating the Global Diabetes Epidemic

Recognizing the escalating global burden of diabetes and obesity – conditions disproportionately affecting developing nations – the WHO has added several glucose-reducing therapies to the essential medicines list. These include semaglutida, dorade, liraglutida, and tirzepatida. These medications help regulate blood sugar levels and manage the complications associated with diabetes.

Did You Know? The International Diabetes federation estimates that over 537 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes as of 2021.

Affordability Concerns Raised By advocacy Groups

The move has been met with cautious optimism from organizations like doctors Without Borders (MSF). While acknowledging the importance of expanding access to these potentially life-saving drugs, MSF has cautioned that the high cost of these medications remains a significant barrier for many patients in resource-limited settings. Elizabeth Jarman, a technical advisor at MSF, emphasized the need for national policies to ensure affordability and availability.

Pro Tip: Patients should discuss medication costs and potential financial assistance programs with their healthcare providers.

Beyond Cancer and Diabetes

The updated essential medicines list also includes treatments for psoriasis, hemophilia, othre blood disorders, and cystic fibrosis, demonstrating the WHO’s commitment to addressing a wide range of global health challenges. The general list now comprises 523 medicines, while the list specifically for pediatric treatments includes 374.

List Type	New Additions	Total Medicines
General List	20	523
Pediatric List	15	374

The WHO first established the Model List of essential Medicines in 1977, and it is updated every two years, reflecting advancements in medical knowledge and evolving global health priorities. This 24th edition underscores the organization’s ongoing work to improve access to essential healthcare for all.

Understanding Essential Medicines Lists

Essential Medicines lists are crucial tools for national health systems. They guide procurement decisions, ensuring that countries prioritize the most effective and necessary medications for their populations. The WHO’s list serves as a model for countries to adapt based on their specific needs and resources. Developing and maintaining these lists requires careful consideration of factors such as efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness, and disease prevalence.

The inclusion of a medicine on the list does not guarantee immediate availability in all countries. However, it signals the WHO’s recognition of its importance and encourages countries to consider incorporating it into their national healthcare systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Medicines

• What are essential medicines? Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of a population.
• Why does the WHO create an essential medicines list? The list helps countries select and procure the most vital medicines, promoting equitable access to healthcare.
• How frequently enough is the essential medicines list updated? The list is updated every two years to reflect medical advancements.
• What impact do essential medicines have on cancer treatment? The inclusion of cancer medications can improve treatment options,especially in low-resource settings.
• Are essential medicines always affordable? Affordability remains a challenge, and organizations like MSF advocate for lower drug prices.
• What is immunotherapy and how does it work? Immunotherapy boosts the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer cells.
• How can I learn more about diabetes and its treatment? Visit the American Diabetes Association website for detailed information.

What are your thoughts on the WHO’s decision to include these new medications? Do you believe access to these treatments will improve globally?

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How might the inclusion of specific cancer medications on the WHO’s essential medicines list impact treatment protocols in low- and middle-income countries?

The Landmark Decision & Global Health Impact

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced a significant expansion to its Model List of Essential Medicines,incorporating crucial treatments for various cancers and diabetes. This update, finalized in [Date – needs to be updated to reflect actual proclamation date, likely early September 2025], marks a pivotal step towards improving global access to life-saving medications for these increasingly prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The essential medicines list serves as a guide for countries in developing and updating their national lists, ensuring populations have access to the most effective and affordable medicines. This expansion directly addresses disparities in healthcare access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

New Cancer Medications Added to the List

the inclusion of cancer medications represents a major victory for global health advocates. Previously, access to many cancer treatments was severely limited in resource-constrained settings. The updated list now features:

Chemotherapy agents: Several new chemotherapy drugs have been added, targeting common cancers like breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer.These include [Specific drug names – to be updated with actual additions].

Targeted Therapies: Recognizing the advancements in precision medicine, the WHO has included targeted therapies for specific cancer mutations. This allows for more personalized and effective treatment plans. Examples include [Specific drug names – to be updated with actual additions].

immunotherapies: The list now incorporates certain immunotherapies, which harness the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. These represent a significant advancement in cancer care, offering potential for long-term remission. [Specific drug names – to be updated with actual additions].

Hormone Therapies: Expanded options for hormone therapies, particularly for hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer, are now included.

These additions aim to address the growing global cancer burden, which is projected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Improved access to these medications will be crucial in reducing cancer mortality rates worldwide. Cancer treatment costs remain a significant barrier,and the WHO’s list aims to promote the use of generic versions where available.

Diabetes Treatments: Expanding Access to Care

Alongside cancer medications, the WHO has also broadened the list to include more complete diabetes treatments. Diabetes is a global epidemic,with a particularly high prevalence in LMICs. The updated list focuses on:

Insulin: A wider range of insulin formulations, including biosimilar insulins, have been added to improve affordability and accessibility. This is particularly significant for Type 1 diabetes and for individuals with Type 2 diabetes who require insulin therapy.

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Newer classes of oral medications for Type 2 diabetes, such as [Specific drug names – to be updated with actual additions], have been included, offering alternative treatment options.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: These medications, known for their efficacy in blood sugar control and potential cardiovascular benefits, are now on the list. [Specific drug names – to be updated with actual additions].

SGLT2 Inhibitors: Another class of oral medications demonstrating cardiovascular and renal protection, now included for appropriate patients. [Specific drug names – to be updated with actual additions].

The inclusion of these diabetes treatments is expected to improve glycemic control, reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications (such as heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness), and enhance the quality of life for millions of people living with diabetes. Diabetes management is a lifelong commitment, and access to affordable medications is paramount.

Implications for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

The WHO’s essential medicines list is particularly impactful for LMICs. These countries often face significant challenges in procuring and distributing medications due to limited resources and complex supply chains.

Prioritization of Procurement: The list helps countries prioritize which medications to include in their national procurement programs, ensuring that limited funds are allocated to the most essential treatments.

Generic Drug Utilization: The WHO encourages the use of generic versions of essential medicines, which are typically more affordable than branded drugs. This is especially important in LMICs where cost is a major barrier to access.

Negotiating Power: A standardized list strengthens the negotiating power of countries when purchasing medications from pharmaceutical companies.

Supply Chain Optimization: The list can help streamline supply chains and improve the availability of essential medicines in remote and underserved areas. Pharmaceutical supply chains are often fragile in LMICs, and this list provides a framework for betterment.

Challenges and Future Directions

While the expansion of the essential medicines list is a significant achievement,several challenges remain:

* Implementation: Ensuring that countries