On WHO essential medicines list, GLP-1 drugs for diabetes, weight loss may become cheaper, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) added GLP-1 drugs to its Essential Medicines List (EML), potentially lowering costs and improving access.
• The decision was made at the 25th WHO Expert Committee meeting held from May 5-9.
• Semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide were added to the EML for treating type 2 diabetes with comorbidities.
• Over 800 million people live with diabetes and over 1 billion are affected by obesity worldwide as of 2022.

Detailed Insights:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists help people with type 2 diabetes, especially those with heart or kidney disease.
• The inclusion in the EML acknowledges the urgent global health challenges of diabetes and obesity.
• High prices of these drugs currently limit access, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• While beneficial, some experts note that in countries like India, these drugs may only benefit a small number of people.
• Injectable semaglutide has been approved for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and improving cardio-metabolic health.
• The inclusion in EML may not make it a first-line drug for everyone, but it's a positive step for those who need it.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Essential Medicines List (EML): A list of medicines that satisfy the priority health care needs of a population.
• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes by mimicking the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin.