Selection and use
The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines supports countries in the development of National Essential Medicines Lists which are the basis for procurement and reimbursement decision-making.
Several biotherapeutics and their biosimilars are listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) including anti-tumour necrosis factors, asparaginase, pegaspargase, rituximab, trastuzumab, filgrastim, nivolumab/pembrolizumab, erythropoietin, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWE), insulin (including long-acting analogues), anti-rabies virus monoclonal antibody and bevacizumab.
WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines
The WHO Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines has recommended that quality-assured biosimilars be interchangeable with the biological medicines included in the EML and eligible for selection and procurement at country level.
Recommendation on interchangeability (page xxv)
Journal articles