Overview
- Semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide were added for adults with type 2 diabetes who also have established cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or obesity.
- WHO urged countries to prioritize high-need patients and make these medicines available in primary care to expand access and improve outcomes.
- Patents on leading GLP-1 drugs start to expire in 2026, and reports indicate manufacturers in countries such as Canada and India are preparing lower-cost versions.
- The update also adds rapid-acting insulin analogues, Vertex’s cystic fibrosis therapy elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (Trikafta/Kaftrio), and cancer immunotherapies including pembrolizumab.
- The Model Lists now include 523 adult and 374 pediatric medicines and are used by more than 150 countries to guide procurement, supply and insurance coverage.