Story perspectives
WHO Expands Essential Medicines List with 35 New Treatments
9/8/2025
50 6
1 of 1
Story summary
- On September 5, 2025, the WHO updated its Essential Medicines Lists, adding treatments for cancer, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis.
- The revisions introduced 20 new medicines for adults and 15 for children, totaling 523 and 374 essential medicines, respectively.
- Cancer treatments remain prioritized, with strict criteria for effective therapies.
- The WHO emphasizes equitable pricing and health system responses to improve access.
- New diabetes treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, address rising obesity and diabetes rates.
