WHO Adds GLP‑1 Diabetes Drugs to Essential Medicines: Global Access, Not Weight Loss

The World Health Organization has added GLP‑1 drugs for type 2 diabetes to its Model List of Essential Medicines. The move aims to improve access and affordability in health systems that rely on the list to guide procurement. It does not include GLP‑1s for obesity treatment alone.

What changed

Inclusion on the Essential Medicines list signals that a therapy is effective, safe, and cost‑effective for priority conditions when resources are limited. Countries and donors often use the list to shape formularies and negotiate prices. As patents expire and generics emerge, listing can speed uptake beyond wealthy markets.

Why it matters

Millions managing type 2 diabetes in low‑resource settings face limited access to modern therapies. Listing can expand leverage for tenders and biosimilar development. At the same time, indications remain diabetes‑focused; weight‑loss‑only use is not part of the decision. Systems will still need to plan for monitoring, safe use, and supply reliability.

What to watch

· Which countries adopt GLP‑1s into national lists and reimbursement schedules.

· Price trends as generic competition grows.

· Clinical guidance updates for primary care in low‑resource settings.

Sources

Reuters report on WHO’s 2025 Essential Medicines update.

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