WHO expands important drug list: hope for cancer patients!

WHO expands important drug list: hope for cancer patients!

On September 16, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) significantly expanded the Essential Medicines List (EML). This latest update includes modern medications for various cancers as well as treatments for obesity-related diabetes. In addition, therapies for rare diseases, including cystic fibrosis and blood clotting disorders, were also taken into account. The WHO EML is recognized in over 150 countries as the basis for access to effective and affordable therapies and supports public health worldwide.

The scientists from the Institute for Public Health at the University of Cologne, Mario Csenar and Julia Schroer, who contributed to updating the EML, have identified relevant topics and medications. They evaluated comprehensive scientific studies in cooperation with the WHO. A key goal of this initiative is to increase access to PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors. These modern therapies stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells.

New drugs for cancer and diabetes

Of particular note is the recommendation for pembrolizumab, which now serves as first-line therapy for metastatic cervical cancer and as monotherapy for immunotherapy-sensitive metastatic colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. In addition, atezolizumab and cemiplimab were added to the list as therapeutic alternatives for non-small cell lung cancer. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Nicole Skoetz, director of the Cologne Institute, emphasizes the importance of these new drugs for the global supply of cancer therapies.

In addition to oncology treatments, WHO has also included GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide, dulaglutide and liraglutide in the EML to support blood sugar regulation in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes and obesity are among today's most pressing health problems, with more than 800 million people currently suffering from diabetes and over 1 billion from obesity.

Global access and sustainability

The current EML includes a total of 523 essential medications for adults and 374 for children. Of these, 20 contain new medications as well as special indications for use for products already listed. The WHO has set strict criteria for the inclusion of new therapies, considering only drugs proven to extend life by at least 4-6 months. The expert group also recommends strategies to improve access to these life-saving treatments and promote fair pricing strategies.

The WHO plans to review the lists every two years to assess the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of the listed drugs. The current update highlights the important role of EML as a standard for public procurement, insurance and reimbursement in various countries. Furthermore, WHO emphasizes the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to improve access to medicines and promote people-centered programs.

All of this demonstrates the WHO's ongoing commitment to improving global health care and ensuring access to essential medicines. The new additions to the EML demonstrate a commitment to a comprehensive approach to combating cancer and diabetes and supporting affected populations.

For more information read the reports from uk-koeln.de, who.int and de.lifestyle.fit.