WHO adds GLP-1s to essential medications list

The World Health Organization has updated its Model Lists of Essential Medicines and Essential Medicines for Children, adding drugs for cancer, diabetes, obesity and other conditions. 

Among the additions are GLP-1 receptor agonists semaglutide, dulaglutide and liraglutide, along with tirzepatide, used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, according to a Sept. 5 news release from the WHO. 

Twenty medicines were added to the adult list and 15 to the children’s list, bringing the totals to 523 and 374, respectively. The updated lists include treatments for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, psoriasis and various blood disorders. 

In cancer care, WHO added immunotherapy drugs including pembrolizumab, atezolizumab and cemiplimab. 

A WHO committee focused on medications shown to improve survival by at least four to six months, citing a need to prioritize treatments with a measurable impact, the release said. 

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