WHO adds popular weight-loss drugs to essential medicines list

The World Health Organization (WHO) has added popular weight-loss drugs, including Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, sold in India as Wegovy and Mounjaro respectively, to its Model List of Essential Medicines (EML), The Times of India reported.

The move is significant because the WHO’s EML serves as a reference for public sector procurement, medicine supply, health insurance, and reimbursement schemes in more than 150 countries, including India. Adoption of the list in India could potentially lead to a substantial reduction in the prices of these drugs in the future.

Currently, Wegovy costs between Rs 17,000 and Rs 26,000 per month, depending on the dosage, while Mounjaro ranges from Rs 14,000 to Rs 27,000 per month, depending on dosage and route of administration. Vials are cheaper compared to Kwikpens, the pre-filled disposable devices containing the medication.

According to the WHO, the high prices of drugs like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are limiting access. “Prioritising those who would benefit most, encouraging generic competition to drive down prices and making these treatments available in primary care, especially in underserved areas, are key to expanding access and improving health outcomes,” the UN health body said.

Diabetes and obesity remain two of the world’s most urgent health challenges. In India, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has risen more than fivefold in the past three decades, from around 53 million people in 1990 to 235 million in 2021. Without intervention, a recent study in The Lancet warned, the number of overweight or obese people in India could exceed 520 million, the second highest globally.

With inputs from TOI