WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

Source: TH

Context: The WHO has added GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide) to its Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) for type-2 diabetes with comorbidities like obesity and cardiovascular/kidney disease.

About GLP-1 Drugs:

• What It Is?

• Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs are medications that mimic the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone. They belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists (also called incretin mimetics).

• Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs are medications that mimic the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone.

• They belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists (also called incretin mimetics).

• Primary: Lower blood glucose in type-2 diabetes patients. Secondary: Support weight loss, improve cardio-metabolic health, and reduce diabetes complications (heart/kidney).

• Primary: Lower blood glucose in type-2 diabetes patients.

• Secondary: Support weight loss, improve cardio-metabolic health, and reduce diabetes complications (heart/kidney).

• Key Features:

• Mode: Mostly injectable (some oral versions available). Benefits:

• Mode: Mostly injectable (some oral versions available).

• Benefits:

• Improves insulin secretion, slows digestion, suppresses appetite.

• Proven benefits for obesity management and metabolic health.

About WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML):

• What It Is?

• A list of medicines considered most effective, safe, and essential for meeting priority health needs of a population.

• Origin:

• First published by WHO in 1977 and updated every two years by the WHO Expert Committee. EML for Children introduced in 2007.

• First published by WHO in 1977 and updated every two years by the WHO Expert Committee.

• EML for Children introduced in 2007.

• Aim: Guide countries in selecting, procuring, and making medicines accessible to all.

• Guide countries in selecting, procuring, and making medicines accessible to all.

• Promote universal health coverage by focusing on affordability and availability.

• Key Features:

• Evidence-based Selection: Only drugs with proven efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness included. Global Benchmark: Used by over 150 countries to frame their national essential medicines lists (NEML). Dynamic List: Updated biennially to reflect new therapeutic needs and scientific evidence. Impact on Pricing: Encourages bulk procurement and generic production, driving prices lower.

• Evidence-based Selection: Only drugs with proven efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness included.

• Global Benchmark: Used by over 150 countries to frame their national essential medicines lists (NEML).

• Dynamic List: Updated biennially to reflect new therapeutic needs and scientific evidence.

• Impact on Pricing: Encourages bulk procurement and generic production, driving prices lower.