GLP-1 Drugs in WHO List: 4 Transformative Benefits for Diabetes & Obesity Care

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)

The World Health Organization (WHO), during its 25th meeting of the Expert Committee on Essential Medicines (held from May 5–9, 2025), added four GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs — semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide — to its Model List of Essential Medicines (EML).

• This inclusion aims to increase global access to effective diabetes and obesity treatments by making them more affordable and widely available, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Key Points: GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)

Drugs Added to EML:

• Semaglutide, Dulaglutide, Liraglutide, Tirzepatide
• Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity.

Significance:

• Global burden of diabetes: Over 800 million people (2022 data), with half untreated.
• Obesity crisis: Over 1 billion people worldwide, increasing rapidly in developing countries.
• These drugs reduce blood glucose, aid in weight loss, and improve cardio-metabolic health.

Challenges:

• High prices make these drugs unaffordable for most people, especially in developing countries like India.
• Out-of-pocket expenditure on non-communicable disease medicines is a major barrier.

Expert Opinions:

• V. Mohan (DMDSC): Inclusion shows strong scientific evidence; also beneficial for weight reduction and obesity management.
• Anoop Mishra (Fortis C-DOC): While a good step, low-cost essential drugs for diabetes and heart diseases should also be prioritized for mass benefit.
• R.M. Anjana (DMDSC): Helps in access and affordability, but not suitable as a first-line drug for all patients.

About GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) Drugs:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of drugs used for Type 2 diabetes treatment.
• Functions:
  1. Stimulate insulin secretion when blood sugar is high.
  2. Suppress glucagon release (lowers glucose production by the liver).
  3. Slow gastric emptying, reducing appetite and aiding weight loss.
  4. Improve cardio-metabolic health.
• Recent Developments:

• Injectable semaglutide approved for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
• Increasing use in obesity management beyond diabetes.

Implications for India:

• May help improve availability and affordability of advanced diabetes care drugs.
• But only a small segment of patients will benefit due to high costs.

Need for policy focus on low-cost essential medicines for wider population benefit.