The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its Essential Medicines List (EML) in September 2025, adding several landmark drugs including GLP-1 receptor agonists for diabetes and obesity, new cancer treatments, and expanded access to insulin analogues. This update has significant implications for global healthcare access, particularly for patients in developing countries who rely on affordable generic medicines.
What Is the WHO Essential Medicines List?
The WHO Essential Medicines List is a cornerstone of global public health. First published in 1977, it identifies medications that satisfy the priority healthcare needs of a population. Countries use the EML to guide public procurement, national formulary development, and health insurance coverage. Inclusion in the EML signals that a medicine should be available at all times, in adequate amounts, and at a price the community can afford.
GLP-1 Drugs Added for Diabetes and Weight Management
The most headline-grabbing addition to the 2025 EML is the inclusion of GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This class of drugs has proven remarkably effective at controlling blood sugar levels while also promoting significant weight loss. The WHO has also signaled intent to prequalify biosimilar versions of semaglutide, opening the door for Indian and other generic manufacturers to produce affordable alternatives.
For patients currently paying hundreds of dollars per month for brand-name GLP-1 drugs, the availability of biosimilars from Indian manufacturers could reduce costs by 60-80%, making these life-changing therapies accessible to millions more people worldwide. Indian pharmaceutical companies, including Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Cipla, are already advancing biosimilar pipelines for semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs.
Expanded Access to Long-Acting Insulin Analogues
The 2025 EML update also expands access to long-acting insulin analogues, including insulin glargine and insulin degludec. These longer-acting insulins reduce the injection frequency for diabetes patients and provide more stable blood glucose control compared to older intermediate-acting insulins. The WHO’s inclusion of these products is expected to accelerate WHO prequalification efforts, enabling more generic manufacturers to enter the market and drive down prices.
New Cancer Drugs on the List
The updated EML includes several new cancer medications that represent significant advances in oncology. These include osimertinib for non-small cell lung cancer, daratumumab for multiple myeloma, and several targeted therapy agents. The addition of these drugs acknowledges both their proven clinical benefit and the urgent need for affordable access in low- and middle-income countries where cancer mortality rates remain disproportionately high.
Indian generic manufacturers are well-positioned to produce these cancer drugs at a fraction of the brand-name cost, potentially saving healthcare systems billions of dollars annually while expanding treatment access.
Impact on Indian Generic Medicine Industry
India is the world’s largest provider of generic medicines, supplying over 40% of generic demand in the US and approximately 25% of all medicines in the UK. The WHO’s 2025 EML update presents a major opportunity for Indian pharmaceutical companies to expand their global footprint through WHO prequalification programs.
WHO prequalification is a rigorous process that evaluates the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines. Once a drug is prequalified, it becomes eligible for procurement by United Nations agencies and many national governments. Indian generic manufacturers have a strong track record in WHO prequalification, with hundreds of products already approved through the program.
How Patients Can Access These Medicines
For patients looking to access WHO-listed generic medicines including those newly added to the EML, it is essential to source from verified and reliable suppliers. The Indian Medicine Suppliers and Distributors Association (IMSDA) maintains a directory of verified member distributors who adhere to strict quality standards and regulatory compliance.
For a list of verified and reliable pharmaceutical distributors, refer to the IMSDA member directory. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication, including generic alternatives to brand-name drugs.
Conclusion
The WHO’s 2025 Essential Medicines List update marks a significant step forward in global health equity. By including GLP-1 drugs, expanded insulin options, and newer cancer therapies, the WHO has signaled that these essential treatments should be affordable and accessible to all who need them. For Indian generic manufacturers, this represents both an opportunity and a responsibility to deliver high-quality, affordable medicines to patients worldwide.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. The availability and pricing of specific generic medicines may vary by country and regulatory jurisdiction.