In a move to improve global health access, the World health Organization (WHO) has added GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, including those found in Novo Nordisk’s ozempic adn Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, to its Model List of Essential Medicines (EML). This list is a guide for countries to ensure essential drugs are affordable, accessible, and available within their healthcare systems. The inclusion of GLP-1 drugs highlights their clinical importance in treating type 2 diabetes, especially when associated with cardiovascular issues, chronic kidney disease, or obesity.

The WHO hopes that including these effective but expensive drugs on the EML will broaden access,especially in low and middle-income countries.This decision also signals to manufacturers and governments that these treatments are essential for diabetes care,not luxuries.

Implications of the WHO’s Decision

The WHO’s decision carries several crucial implications for global healthcare.

“The WHO has clearly stated and highlighted that the use of these drugs is only for patients with type 2 diabetes…”

Inclusion on the EML is expected to improve global access to these medicines by guiding countries in prioritizing them within their healthcare systems, influencing procurement, and perhaps lowering prices.The WHO hopes this will encourage the production of cheaper, generic versions, making them more accessible in developing nations. the decision was based on strong scientific evidence showing that GLP-1 drugs can improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications in type 2 diabetes patients. The EML is a list of medicines the WHO considers necessary for functioning health systems, ensuring a baseline standard of care.