Today (5 September 2025) in Geneva, the World Health Organization released updated Model Lists of Essential Medicines (24th EML and 10th EMLc), adding new cancer therapies and diabetes drugs—including PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies and GLP-1 receptor agonists—bringing the adult list to 523 medicines and the children s list to 374.
Key Takeaways
- The Expert Committee reviewed 59 applications and added 20 medicines to the adult EML and 15 to the EMLc.
- Pembrolizumab was added as first-line monotherapy for metastatic cervical, colorectal and non-small cell lung cancers; atezolizumab and cemiplimab are listed as alternatives.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide) and the dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist tirzepatide were added for adults with type 2 diabetes plus cardiovascular or chronic kidney disease and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2).
- Cancer remains the second leading global killer, causing nearly 10 million deaths annually; diabetes and obesity affect hundreds of millions worldwide.
- WHO highlights affordability and equitable access as major barriers and calls for dose optimization, generic competition and primary-care delivery to expand reach.
Verified Facts
The 25th meeting of the WHO Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines took place at WHO headquarters, Geneva, from 5 to 9 May 2025. The committee assessed scientific evidence on effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness to inform its recommendations.
After reviewing 59 applications, including 31 proposals for new medicines or classes, the committee approved additions that meet strict benefit thresholds. For cancer drugs, the committee prioritizes therapies shown to extend life by at least four to six months and others with substantial clinical benefit.
The updated lists now record 523 essential medicines for adults and 374 for children. Specifically, 20 new entries were added to the adult EML and 15 to the EMLc; seven products received new use indications. The revisions are published as the 24th edition of the EML and the 10th edition of the EMLc.
| Category | New additions | Total after update |
|---|---|---|
| Adult EML | +20 | 523 |
| EMLc (children) | +15 | 374 |
Context & Impact
Cancer, diabetes and obesity are major drivers of global mortality and morbidity. Cancer claims almost 10 million lives each year and accounts for a large share of premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases. In 2022 an estimated 800 million people were living with diabetes, with about half untreated; over 1 billion people are affected by overweight or obesity.
Adding PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and selected GLP-1 class medicines to the EML signals WHO s intent to guide national formularies toward high-impact treatments while stressing the need for policies that preserve affordability. WHO is urging countries to prioritize patients most likely to benefit and to integrate these medicines into primary care where appropriate.
The committee also recommended evidence-based clinical strategies to optimize limited resources, such as dose optimization and clear use criteria, and noted that many systemic reforms (pricing, procurement, insurance coverage) require sustained government action and multisectoral cooperation.
Official Statements
The new editions of essential medicines lists mark a significant step toward expanding access to new medicines with proven clinical benefits and with high potential for global public health impact.
Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data
Achieving equitable access to essential medicines requires a coherent health system response backed by strong political will, multisectoral cooperation, and people-centred programmes that leave no one behind.
Deusdedit Mubangizi, WHO Director of Policy and Standards for Medicines and Health Products
Unconfirmed
- Timing and scale of price reductions for semaglutide, tirzepatide and other newly listed drugs are uncertain and depend on market, patent and policy actions.
- Exact timelines for national adoption of the revised lists will vary by country and are not specified by WHO.
Bottom Line
The 2025 EML and EMLc updates reflect a targeted move to include high-benefit cancer and diabetes therapies while underscoring that clinical inclusion is only the first step toward wider access. Expanding availability will require price negotiation, stronger procurement, and primary-care integration to reach patients in low- and middle-income settings.