1️⃣ Landmark Inclusion: Ozempic & Mounjaro Now Essential Medicines

The World health Organization (WHO) has officially added GLP-1 receptor agonists—such as semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)—to its Essential Medicines List. These will be used for treating type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity—not for obesity alone.

2️⃣ Why This Matters: The EML’s Global Influence

The EML, used in more than 150 countries, guides public-sector drug procurement and national health insurance decisions. Its inclusion of GLP-1 drugs can act as a powerful catalyst to improve access globally—especially in low- and middle-income countries.

3️⃣ Price Is No Longer a Deal-Breaker

Historically, high prices restricted access to novel therapies. The WHO’s expert committee affirmed that inclusion in the EML isn’t disqualified by cost. Instead, it’s a tool to drive down prices through generic competition—especially once patents begin expiring.

4️⃣ Sharper Guidance: Prioritizing Those Who Need It Most

By limiting the indication to patients with type 2 diabetes plus specific comorbidities (heart, kidney issues, or obesity), WHO offers targeted guidance. This avoids misuse of GLP-1 drugs purely for weight loss and focuses on high-impact cases.

5️⃣ Beyond Diabetes: More Game-Changing Additions

The 2025 EML update also includes:

Trikafta/Kaftrio for cystic fibrosis,

Keytruda for certain metastatic cancers,

Rapid-acting insulin analogues for various forms of diabetes, supplementing long-acting versions.

6️⃣ Potential Impact: What Could Change for Patients

Opportunity	Real-World Outcome
Greater affordability	Generic GLP-1 drugs could emerge post-patent, lowering costs
Improved access	Governments and insurers may adopt these therapies more easily
Enhanced health outcomes	Broader treatment access could reduce complications from diabetes and comorbidities

7️⃣ Expert Reactions & Next Steps

Access advocates—like Médecins Sans Frontières—called the move a “critical milestone” but stressed that affordability remains a must. Policymakers will now data-face the work of translating this WHO recommendation into local access, reimbursement, and supply systems.

Final Thought

Including GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic on the WHO’s Essential Medicines List is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a strategic push toward equitable healthcare access. It signals a shift in how the world tackles diabetes and associated chronic conditions, with affordability and targeted treatment at its heart.

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