New Essential Medicines List Includes Key Diabetes Treatments
The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its list of essential medicines, adding new treatments for diabetes and related conditions like obesity. This change aims to make critical, life-saving medications more accessible worldwide, especially for people who need them most.
New Treatments for Diabetes and Obesity
The WHO has added a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists to its list. These medications, which include semaglutide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide, are now recommended for adults with type 2 diabetes.
Why is this important? Diabetes and obesity are urgent health challenges, affecting more than 800 million and 1 billion people, respectively. They are closely linked and can lead to serious health issues like heart and kidney disease.
The WHO's decision is based on strong scientific evidence showing that GLP-1 drugs can significantly help people with type 2 diabetes, especially those who also have heart or kidney problems. These medicines help to:
Control blood sugar.
Reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications.
Support weight loss.
Lower the risk of early death.
The updated list also includes tirzepatide, another effective medication for diabetes and obesity.
Making These Treatments Accessible
While these new additions are great news, the high cost of drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide can be a major barrier. The WHO is committed to working with countries to ensure these medications are available to everyone who needs them. This includes:
Prioritizing the patients who will benefit most.
Encouraging generic versions of the drugs to drive down prices.
Making these treatments available in local clinics, especially in underserved areas.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that healthcare systems have the tools and support needed to provide these life-changing treatments to people with diabetes and obesity, no matter where they live.
Source: World Health Organization | September 5, 2025