WHO Advocates for Affordable Weight-Loss Medications

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially endorsed a variety of weight-loss medications, particularly for the treatment of obesity and diabetes, and has made a significant call for the production of affordable generic versions of these drugs for use in developing nations.

Among the medications receiving WHO's backing are new appetite-suppressing drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, which include popular brands such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These medications have surged in popularity due to their proven effectiveness in facilitating substantial weight loss.

According to WHO statistics, over 3.7 million individuals lost their lives in 2021 due to conditions related to overweight and obesity, a figure that surpasses the combined fatalities from leading infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. Despite their effectiveness, the exorbitant costs associated with GLP-1 medications--often exceeding $1,000 per month in the United States--raise concerns about accessibility, particularly in lower-income countries where these treatments could be most beneficial.

In a recent announcement, the WHO included semaglutide, the key ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as tirzepatide from Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, on its essential medicines list for adults worldwide. The organization emphasized the need for generic competition to lower prices, ensuring that these life-saving injectables are accessible to those in need.

Experts, including Andrew Hill, a pharmacology researcher at Liverpool University, highlighted research indicating that generic versions of semaglutide could be produced in India for as little as $4 per month. This raises a significant call for pharmaceutical companies like Novartis and Eli Lilly to act responsibly and make their medications available globally at a more affordable price point.

With the patent for semaglutide set to expire in several countries, including Canada, India, and China next year, there is potential for a dramatic increase in the availability of generic formulations. Originally designed for diabetes management, GLP-1 drugs have shown promise in addressing a variety of health issues, including addiction.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that patients with cardiovascular issues who used these drugs experienced more than a 40% reduction in the risk of hospitalization or premature death.

As obesity rates continue to rise, with one in eight individuals globally classified as obese and over 800 million people living with diabetes as of 2022, the WHO's endorsement of these medications marks a critical step in public health.

In addition to weight-loss drugs, the WHO also included several cancer treatments on its essential medicines list, further emphasizing its commitment to improving global health outcomes.